Above: Charles McComb as Roger. Featured image: the full ensemble sing  ‘Seasons Of Love’

Giacomo Puccini, was the composer of La Boheme the opera on which the musical RENT is based. He adored the chance to present confronting plots with a range of characters, as well as scenes both joyous and tragic. He wedded music to an operatic libretto which demanded naturalistic performances dripping in genuine chemistry.

Puccini would love this visceral and evocative Rockdale Musical Society production of RENT as deftly directed by Kate Berger. The clear treatment of Jonathan Larson’s score by musical director David Lang would also titillate Puccini’s musical drama palette, which savoured purely atmospheric soundscapes over which a tapestry of exuberant and decaying energies were colourfully contrasted.

Rockdale Musical Society’s wintry 2017 RENT succeeds amongst assorted attempts by community theatre contemporaries due to the fiercely believable quality which imbues all singing, and action on the stage. Many of the main characters are superbly well cast and chemistry between the main Bohemists struggling to find love and avoid death in a poor and drug-filled neighbourhood cuts keenly.

This production also shines as it delivers Jonathan Larson’s update on the Puccini libretto. The straight forward and never over-dramatic treatment of early AIDS victims trying to survive only medicated with AZT presents penetrating raw emotion and predicament to the audience.

Also ensuring directness of communication  is the vocal delivery of three talented cast members.  Haji Myrteza’s Collins character sings in rich, velvety tones. His chilling Act Two I’ll Cover You will break your heart repeatedly. Charles McComb’s Roger converses with all characters in a consistently natural tone of focused yet beautiful intensity. This perfectly suits his character.

Vocal warmth and fireworks emerge through the pleasing portrayals of Maureen (by Talia Sigsworth) and Joanne (played by Sherry-Anne Hayes). The difficult-to-capture sparring of their on-again, off-again relationship is here well blocked and believably expressed across the space.

This theatre space with its potentially problematic, raised proscenium arch stage has been well treated in Kate Berger’s set design. Extending the set’s decrepit detail onto the floor to depict exterior or street scenes is effective. Bringing the action and sufferers in the story visually closer to us provides the story with even further emphasis and momentum.

Electrifying performances in well-conceived and guided character acting packages are delivered by three talented cast members. Arron Johnson’s at once strong and fragile persona created for the role of Angel is a visual treat. His engaged acting leads with gentle hand to harsh reality. Georgia Vella’s Mimi impresses with true voice and a characterisation which soars to us often launched from an incredibly comfortable stage presence. Her Out Tonight in Act One is an awesome hard-edged rock classic. By contrast Vella easily scales Mimi’s attitude down for the intimate indoor scenes with Roger.

As omniscient narrator and artist, Mark, (Marcus Hurley) is an active and warm-voiced assistant. He economically weaves in and out of the story and group emotion. In keeping with the camaraderie between the male Bohemists in Puccini’s opera, Hurley admirably leads the characters of Collins and Roger in their happy housemate times, despite all odds.

Choreographer Joel Duffy’s  capable work has created vistas of constant movement whilst avoiding a stage full of cast clutter. Blocking with natural mannerisms and unforced  reaction complement the sung or spoken anguish. Well- devised ensemble numbers such as Rent and La Vie Boheme present humour, horrors and the cast in well-spaced, well-trained formats.

Larger than the tortured life being studied, the ensemble begin Act Two in a tight line-up beneath some fabulous lighting from Birdie Productions. Their stunning singing of the poignant Seasons of Love is a vocally disciplined, emotionally compelling event and fights hard for the hotly contested position of this show’s highlight.

The fine verismo and storytelling in this version of RENT lives and evolves boldly right from the production’s outset. These features feed off the strength of its talented cast and creatives.

The final performances of RENT at Rockdale Town Hall are Friday June 2 at 8 pm, Saturday June 3 @ 2 pm, Saturday June 3 @ 8 pm and Sunday June 4 @ 2 pm.

http://www.rockdalemusicalsociety.com/