Theater Review - Rent, The Broadway Tour
Starring Anthony Rapp as Mark and Adam Pascal as Roger
Apr 13, 2009
Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal created the roles of Mark Cohen and Roger Davis, respectively, in the original 1996 production of Rent. Thirteen years later, the actors have returned to the show, along with featured soloist Gwen Stewart, as part of a national tour. The musical may have closed on Broadway, but this tour still provides audiences with a chance to see an outstanding production.
Rapp and Pascal Still Shine
Rapp performs the role of Mark with an infectious enthusiasm. It’s hard to take your eyes off him whenever he’s onstage, and his vocals sound as if they’ve been ripped from the original soundtrack. Pascal, on the other hand, sounds different than he did in 1996, but the changes are for the better. His voice sounds more polished and trained, but his portrayal of Roger is still packed with raw emotion.
Most importantly, both actors tackle the material with the zeal of an actor in his first production, not someone who is revisiting a role he created 13 years ago. It’s clear that Rapp and Pascal care about their characters, but they also make the audience believe that those characters are experiencing the events of the play for the first time.
Maureen, Angel and Collins Stand Out
Rapp and Pascal aren’t the only excellent cast members in this production. Justin Johnston, who comes to the tour after performing in Rent’s final night on Broadway, lights up the stage as Angel. His lovely singing voice is paired with some of the best acting in the show, and his touches of humor create a fully rounded, believable character.
Nicolette Hart crackles with energy as Maureen, and her unbridled commitment to the wild, wacky character combines with her pure, clear vocals to create a standout performance. As Collins, Michael McElroy displays an emotional depth that adds resonance to his every scene and makes Angel’s death even more devastating. And Stewart’s astonishing voice makes her a worthy companion to the other two original cast members.
Rent Still Pays Off
Certain elements of Rent—like lyrics about “the end of the millennium,” characters’ reluctance to embrace “cyber-arts,” and even the use of an answering machine—remind viewers of the show’s age. However, the message of embracing your life in the moment is ageless, and the emotions of the show still ring true.
In fact, certain parts of the plot take on an added relevance today. The plight of the homeless seems especially stark in light of the economic recession, and a priest’s disdain for Collins and Angel reminds us how far gay rights have come—and how far they still have to go.
Rent is an emotionally charged musical that captures an audience and doesn’t let go until the last note has faded. It may have closed on Broadway, but one can only hope that productions like this will continue to deliver the show’s music and message to audiences for many years to come.
