[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of L.A. Pierce College’s (LAPC) production of RENT with book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, directed by Shaeen Vaaz, choreographed by Brian Moe and with musical direction by Ryan Espinosa, running through May 14.
This gorgeous Pulitzer prize and Tony Award-winning rock musical, loosely based on Giacomo Puccini‘s 1896 opera La Bohème, has quite rightly become one of the most successful musicals in Broadway’s history. Tragically, its writer and composer Jonathan Larson died on the eve of its opening night. You might have seen the recent Netflix film Tick Tick Boom about him.
This incantation by the good people at LAPC is ambitious to say the least. After all, this is a legendary piece of American theatre, the drama was almost entirely sung and the music is nuanced, complex and intricate…not for the faint of heart.
And yet, I have to tell you that I was entirely enraptured by this phenomenal cast. They took on something truly daunting and absolutely knocked it out of the park. Every song was perfection, every character fully realized. I laughed, I rocked out, I cried, I felt as joyful as could be and by the end of the production I was on my feet along with the rest of the audience.
What a brilliant choice for all, to produce this particular show at this particular moment in time. When the whole world is in a state of flux, just as it was in the early 90s when this show was written. The gay social construct, trans, poverty, police violence, chosen families giving solace to those rejected by their own. How much of this has changed over the past thirty years? Not much it seems, but if there is hope it is with brave souls like this LAPC family who reached high and utterly delivered.
Bravo to everyone concerned. The live band was also spectacular and you could tell that these incredible performers rehearsed this beautiful show down to the millisecond. Everything was flawless….truly. Seeing a piece of art as incredible and timeless as this performed live is an almost spiritual experience, so having these wonderful actors and singers do such justice to it makes it all the more precious.
I genuinely could not single any one performer out, even the smallest of roles was played to perfection and the cast was as connected to each other as any I have seen.
A huge bravo then to the actors and the musicians, the set designer, costume designer, the director, the lighting, sound, projection designers. It’s a powerful show and it needs everyone involved to have a powerful presence…and they do.
If you have a free evening this weekend please please see this show. It’s the last time you will get the chance. The LAPC theatre is at the top of the campus, and I always feel as if I am traveling up into the gods when I go there. It’s a special place and I am never disappointed by the work they do.
Tickets:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5749065
When:
Running through May 14
Where:
Arts MainStage
6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills
The Cast
LAPC Theatre’s production will be directed by Shaheen Vaaz, with choreography by Brian Moe and musical direction by Ryan Espinosa. The cast features Dale Van Slyke as Mark, Kevin Boecher as Roger, Emelysse Paez as Mimi, Aro Caitlin as Tom, Aaron Revilla as Angel, Michelle Johnson as Maureen, Kaitlyn Foley as Joanne and Emmanuel Odaibo as Benny. The ensemble includes Garret Sullivan, Gabriel Pitpitan, Ali Suliman, Andrew Tafur, Jenny Moses, Sammi Kayne, Alany Soils-Coleman, Maya Palacios and Adam Derbigny.
The Team
The production features scenic and lighting design by Michael Gend, costume design by Eileen Gizienski, sound design by DJ Medina and projection design by Jordyn Kieffer. Sasha Santa Cruz is the stage manager.
LAPC Theatre’s venues are fully accessible to those with mobile disabilities and hearing impairments.