‘LIGHT SOMEONE'S CANDLE AND FALL IN LOVE’ JONATHAN LARSON'S ACCLAIMED MUSICAL ‘RENT’ THIS SPRING IN BERKELEY

”WILL I LOSE MY DIGNITY WILL SOMEONE CARE, WILL I WAKE TOMORROW FROM THIS NIGHTMARE” RENT CELEBRATES 30 YEARS. THIS EAST BAY COMPANY SETS THE BEAUTY OF PRIDE AND LOVE IN LARSON’S HUMAN SPIRIT. 

Review by Vince Mediaa

Here in the Bay Area playwright, actor, and composer Jonathan Larson is certainly being honored for the 30th Anniversary of RENT. His iconic musical is on three stages this winter/ spring season. This is my second review of this Tony honored musical in less than two weeks. The Berkeley Playhouse continues their 2023/24 season with this iconic musical that helped change the face of 90’s musical theatre. RENT The Musical is now on stage through March 31 at the Julia Morgan Theatre. The East Village is a perfect addition to College Ave in Berkeley Ca. This Pulitzer Prize Award winner is directed by BPH Artistic Director Kimberly Dooley who says “RENT reminds us to keep connecting our heart/ even when it's scary even when it’s hard.”

This month Mark and Roger share the stage on a set designed by Sarah Phykitt, who brings Alphabet City to the entire Julia Morgan space. Music Director Michael Patrick Wiles' five member orchestra is not set on stage like other productions, but stays at home in the BPH pit out of sight.  Since this Tony winner is on a few stages in San Francisco and the North Bay, I will not explore the story and history of the show, but I will focus on this powerhouse cast and artistic team. 

For the RENT fans who have seen this musical a few times - this is a show that is important to see many times. In its 30 year run I can’t count how many times Larsons script and music has moved me. Highlights in this cast include Alex Rodriguez amazing performance as Angel.  “Today for U” steals the first act as Rodriquez dazzles on stage dressed in heels and a Santa inspired fit. The polished Tommy Lassiter as Mark brings a certain charm to the future film maker. The performance artist Maureen played by the dynamite Andrea Rose and her girlfriend Joanne played by the impressive Lucca Troutman are a perfect match. The powerhouse local favorite Anthony Rollins-Mullens and his full force voice is a showstopper as Tom Collins.

Sleiman Alahmadieh is cast as Roger, his performance was a bit off and so was his guitar. This is one of the few times I have seen a Roger not actually play his guitar as he works on his “One Song Glory” rhythm. Assistant director Peet Cocke, who is also the prop master for this show, does provide Roger unplugged guitars. Alahmadieh was a good match for his crush Mimi played by the stellar Kassandra Lopez. Their performance of “Light My Candle” is warm but Alahmadieh seemed a bit distracted. Yet in the second act they are fully realized in “Without You”. 

The convincing Lassiter is solid as the struggling filmmaker Mark. His tenor voice delivers and his opening introduction of the story includes his performance in the opening banner song “Rent”. Later Lassiter shines in the first act closer “La Vie Boheme” with the company, and his solo “Halloween” in Act 2.  Both Lassiter and Alahmadieh steal the second act in “What You Own” at the end of the millennium. Lassiter wears the classic Mark scarf and dapper look and is wonderful in the “Tango Maureen" with Rea.

As the struggling drug addict Mimi, the accomplished Lopez brings razor-sharp swagger to her solo “Out Tonight” choreographed by Mel Martinez highlighting Mimi’s sexual angst. Mimi sings from the second level of Phykitt’s set and looks great under Cameron Pence lighting design. Later Lopez rocks in “Without You” alongside Roger. Wigs and makeup by Jennifier Maria Frazier bring a night club look as she breaks out thrilling the sold out weekend audience. 

The dazzling Alex Rodriguez, a BPH icon, has directed, choreographed and acted in a number of Playhouse productions. It was a pure pleasure to see him play Angel. As he enters to meet Collins and later explodes in the classic number “Today For U” with Angels power drum sticks. Rodriguez not only radiates warmth and kindness of Angel, but also the playful snap that brings this group of chosen families together. He brings this icon to life with glittering exuberance, embodied with the cheer and not camp. Costumed in some perfect heels and a Santa inspired frock perfectly designed by Powell and her assistant Maia Powell. Together Rodriguez and Rollins-Mullens showed love and respect for one another and their spirit was reflected in their duet “I’ll Cover You”. In the second act Rodriguez performs Angel's dark swan dance that moved me. “Goodby Love” featuring Mark, Roger, Mimi, Collins, Maureen, Joanne and Benny is very gripping in the era of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 

Rae and Troutman are marvelous as Maureen and Joanne, the damaged lovers who learn to embrace their addictions. Their duet “Take Me or Leave Me” is rousing and shows off both of their exceptional voices. Rae’s solo performance “Over The Moon” is a show stopper and Rae proves she is a star. But I would have liked to see more of a cow feel missing from Ari Powell’s costume design. The gifted Solona Husband will play Joanne 3/22-3/23, 3/29-3/31, Husband was featured as Joanne at the Hillbarn Theatre production of RENT earlier this season.

The best voice in this production features a Bay Area vet actor, the flawless Anthony Rollins-Mullens who plays the anarchist Tom Collins. His gifted baritone voice will lift you from your seat. His beautiful duet with Angel “You Okay Honey” is infectious and his passion and love for his boyfriend is compassionate. Rollins-Collins, Rodriguez, and Lassiter sing “Santa Fe” and warm the first act with some sassy charm. In the second act the reprise is just as powerful and the dark side of Larson’s script always brings tears to any audience.

Marshall Forte is terrific as Benny, the villain and landlord dressed in a red white and blue bright jacket and always checking his pager. He proves his strong voice in the number “You’ll See” alongside Lassiter, Alahmadieh, Mullens and Rodriguez. Forte proves some keen acting skills in the second act as Benny changes his arc in the story as death darkens Larsons script. Dooley’s direction brings a brillant passion to the many songs I have seen so many times. “I’m deeply touched by the beating heart of hard-won resiliency that sings throughout RENT” says Dooley. 

The other performers featured in the passionate second act opening “Seasons of Love” include Ilana Sasson, Leslie Chocano, Sydney Jacobs Allen, Ben Lauing, Dany Benitez, Miles Meckling, Serene Hammami, Scout Del Real and Jesus Pedroza-Moreno all play multiple roles and bring their charismatic talents throughout the musical. Each actor is truly a standout, with keen vocal skills with a commitment to the themes of community, friendship, and love.

Set artist and designer Sarah Phykitt has made beautiful use of the Julia Morgan space using Pence lighting design to spill into the sold out audiences. Choreographer Mel Martinez kept the cast moving with a sharp urban feel. “Tango Maureen” is a highlight showcasing Troutman and Lassiter in a feel good dance honoring Mureen. Intimacy directors Heather Ondersma and Brittany Mellerson kept Mimi on the shy side, but set an effective romance with Roger. Later with Maureen and Joanne some nudity was removed but the fun energy in “La Vie Boheme” remained. Sound designer Joshua Price keeps the cast clear and all the many sound cues from the phone effects worked well. Stage Managers Kayleigh G Kirby and Camille Wong kept the seventeen member company moving as many entrances came from the audience aisles.

This Company is powerful on both “La Vie Boh–me/I Should Tell You” and “Seasons of Love.”  The clever direction by Dooley is rich with love, care and heart. RENT, which deeply touched a generation with its energy of the malaise of an artists, is a call to live in the moment and its celebration of a chosen family, is ready to touch new generations. It lets us know that we only have today and that each day gives us the chance to measure our lives in love. If you have never seen RENT, this cast is a must see. You have plenty of chances to see RENT this 2024 season. The celebration will continue in the north, south and east bay. Opening next at the BPH is The GoGo’s HEAD OVER HEELS that opens May 24th, but in the meantime “MEASURE YOUR LIFE IN LOVE” and bring your own La Vie Boheme! to share with the cast.

“When you’re dying in America, at the end of the millennium, you’re not alone”

BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS

RENT

 Book, Music and Lyrics by 

JONATHAN LARSON

Directed by Kimberly Dooley

Assistant director Peet Cocke

Music director Michael Patrick Wiles,

Choreographer  Mel Martinez.

Artistic Director Kimberley Dooley

Producer Mark K Lins

Production Manager Cameron Pence

Must close March 31, 2024

Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley Ca.

Running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, one intermission

Tickets: $22-$40; 510-845-8542, www.berkeleyplayhouse.org

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BerkeleyPlayhouse/?fref=ts 

PAY WHAT YOU CAN PERFORMANCE THURSDAY MARCH 7TH - CASH AT DOOR OPENING SEATING - SUGGESTED MINIMUM IS 5.00

PHOTO CREDIT: Ben Krantz Studios

BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE NOW OFFERS A STUDENT RUSH FOR EACH PERFORMANCE - 20.00 CASH AT BOX OFFICE DAY OR NIGHT OF PERFORMANCE - SEATS BASED ON AVAILABLE SEATING 

Story of RENT

RENT is the modern retelling of La Boheme and follows one year in the lives of the counter-culture residents of Alphabet City in New York City in the mid-1990s. While trying to overcome the obstacles of poverty, AIDS, drug addiction, and egos, the central characters still reach for dreams and form bonds of lasting friendship.

The musical about the lives of artists struggling to follow their dreams made their debut in New York in 1996 and their inspiring message about life, equality, acceptance, and love is still relevant today. With music, lyrics and book by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning Jonathan Larson.

THE SONDHEIM - JON LARSON CONNECTION 

After the loss of the theatre communities treasured Stephen Soudheim, his connection to RENTS playwright is important. Sondheim was also a mentor, a teacher and an audience regular for new works. He was famous for writing typewritten notes to future playwrights and artists. Producer Lin-Manuel Miranda directed the new film version of Larson's first musical “Tick, Tick … Boom!.” He asked Sondheim’s to recreate a voicemail where he offered needed praise to the future talent. Larson ignores the ringing phone and lets the answering machine pick up. Sitting on the bare wooden floor of his apartment in 1990 New York City, he listens as Stephen Sondheim leaves a message; “Jon? Steve Sondheim here,” the voice says Sondheim scripted that voice mail for the film himself offering just the right words to lift the spirits of Larson and countless other young artists. When Sondheim died Nov. 26, 2021, the American stage lost not only a composer and lyricist but also its longtime muse and inspiration.