Theater Review: "Rent" at A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut
Photos by Jeff Butchen
Ridgefield - ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut is presenting Jonathan Larson's musical "Rent" through June 19 at the theater on Old Quarry Road in Ridgefield.
This Broadway smash hit musical is the winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama that has become a pop-cultural phenomenon. The story follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side.
"Rent" is a show about falling in love, following your dreams, and finding your voice. In this groundbreaking musical, these young Bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts and learn that there is "no day but today!" Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine indicated that the look of the ACT production would be true to the original "Rent," and as far as I could see, it succeeded.
The musical is directed by Levine, with energy-filled choreography by Ray Mercer. Music direction by P. Jason Yarcho (ACT's "Little Shop of Horrors") is palpable, with music supervision by ACT of CT's Grammy nominated Bryan Perri. The band sounds so good that I couldn't help but pay special attention to the classic riffs in the score. Yarcho conducts from behind keyboard 1, John Tuohy plays guitar 1, Benjamin Samuelson plays guitar 2/keyboard 2, Steve Gilewski plays the electric bass, and music contractor Dennis J. Arcarno covers drums and percussion, as well as synthesizer programming. Kudos to all of the talented musicians.
Costume design by Claudia Stefany is grungy and a touch more modest than I have seen, with a cute rainbow wig for Angel to wear with the Santa jacket that was changed to dark bob after "Today For You" on opening night. I found the moody lighting design by Daniel C. Levine to be too dark at times, but the sound design by Arielle Edwards was thankfully perfectly balanced.
ACT of CT's production stars Equity member Ben Bogen as Mark and Equity's Austin Turner as Roger. Both of them are powerhouse performers and work together so well as the squatter roommates. Bogen appeared on Broadway in "Frozen," in the national tour of "Jersey Boys," and I saw him in the world premiere of "The Flamingo Kid" at Hartford Stage. Turner, who teaches voice, piano and guitar at "Eastside Westside Studio" in New York's upper west side, makes his ACT of CT debut.
Paloma D'Auria, who played Jovie in the national tour of "Elf," is sexy and funny as Maureen. Equity actor Gordia Hayes has a wonderful amount of charm as Collins in his debut at this theater.
Equity member Paola V. Hernández, a native of Puerto Rico who played Mimi in the "Rent" 20th Anniversary Tour, reprises the role of drug-addicted dancer Mimi Marques, and Equity's Devin Price, most recently part of the theater's stunning "Jesus Christ Superstar," returns to this stage is the fabulous Angel Dumott Schunard
Luis Herrera appears as Benny in his debut at this venue. Equity actress Amber Hurst Martin, who was also part of "Superstar," is very strong as Joanne Jefferson. Featured in the ensemble are Joshua Bess, Equity member Nicolas Garza, Natalie Lilavois Yusty, Jade Litaker (the wonderful "Seasons of Love" soloist and Lexi Darling) and Justin Phillips.
The opening night audience loudly appreciated the performers and their joy became infectious. This production is an event that is full of energy and excellent covering of the voluminous, one-of-a-kind score by the late Jonathan Larson, who found inspiration in Puccini's 1896 opera "La Boheme."
The upcoming fifth season at ACT of CT will feature "Guys and Dolls," "Rock of Ages," and "The Secret Garden." Please note that RENT is PG-13 and contains graphic language, explicit content and brief nudity. It runs approximately 2 1/2 hours in length, plus one 15-minute intermission.
RENT runs through June 19. Performances are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m; with additional performances on June 12 at 7pm and June 16 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets for all performances visit actofct.org or call the box office at (475) 215-5497. Senior, Student and Group prices are available.
Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.
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