StageSceneLA’s Steven Stanley says Rent would make any “RENThead” proud
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“Direction, choreography, performance, and design come together to spectacular effect as Chance Theater delivers as perfect a production of Jonathan Larson’s chef-d’ouevre as any diehard Renthead could wish for.”
“[RENT] remains vibrant and vital, with characters whose individual concerns may reflect a specific time and place but continue to resonate three decades later.”
“scenic designer Joe Holbrook’s detailed, ingeniously industrial set”
“Director [Matthew McCray], working in tandem with choreographer Mo Goodfellow (at the top of her game), displays supreme attention to detail in scene after scene after scene, particularly those involving the triple-threat-tastic Jack Thomas Aitken, Micah K. Blanks, dance captain Ayani Dorsey, Autumn Kirkpatrick, Patrick McCormick, Mickey Miro, and Gemma Pedersen, who ought to be given program credit for the specific cameos (Paul, Steve, Alexi Darling, etc.) they bring to vividly realized life.”
“Larson’s leading players could not be more perfectly cast at the Chance, nor could they perform their iconic roles with more talent, commitment, or zest.”
“A terrific Clopton captures all of Mark’s good-heartedness and his desire to connect with those around him while Cole gives Roger electrifying rock-star passion and edge, and his scenes opposite Ceja’s sultry, sensational Mimi are the very definition of heat.”
“McKinney’s teddy bear of a Collins and Leiva’s fabulously glam Angel make the couple’s unlikely love match heartbreaking real; and Targett and Ripley burn up the stage as lesbian lovers Maureen and Joanne, the former scoring major points for a showstopping “Over The Moon,” the latter dance-duetting a sizzling “Tango Maureen” with Clopton; and the GQ-ready Baker manages to make Rent antagonist Benny almost as likable as the supposed good guys.”
“Nick Santiago’s eye-catching projections”
“Zach Moore’s lighting is downright dazzling”
“absolute perfection”
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