RENT is an important rock musical which deals with confronting material from the end of the 20th century. A high level of dramatic skill and credibility is needed to deliver each scene. The demanding score also challenges the strength of individual voices as well as well-blended ensemble energies.

The Shire Music Theatre’s director Phillip McIntosh and musical director Rebecca Gordon have nurtured some impressive results from the young cast. Some powerful voices are present in the storytelling.

A great variety of vocal nuance matches the attention to subtlety in the character interaction. In this passionate musical dealing with street people, impoverished artists, sexuality, drugs and AIDS, this cast excels in giving us a dose of relevant realism.

There is much to watch in the joyous chorus numbers, as Alphabet City characters interlock with their own individuality intact. Cast members wear their hearts not just on their sleeves but hold them tightly before us as they sing to conquer predicament.

Amongst the well-paced presentation of the story are some scenes which resonate beautifully outside their frames. The characterisations by Jonny Acosta as Collins and Sam Larielle as Angel have more than one such moment.

Principals Claire Duffy as Mimi, Chris Valliate as Roger and Daniel O’Connell’s Mark move the show forward in time with considerable energy and singing that consistently warms us. Kerstyn Walsh’s Maureen is a powerhouse. Her Over the Moon protest performance supported by masked ensemble members dazzles.

This production of RENT portrays all aspects of the story well. It is full of convincing voices and acting. Some fleeting moments of bad balance between voices and band occurred in Act two, but on the whole the blend was excellent. The set was successful and the cast moved on and off it well.

The chance to see such a well-managed version of this modern music theatre classic should not be missed.

The Shire Music Theatre’s production of RENT opened at the Sutherland Memorial Arts Theatre on Friday 30th November and plays until December 9.

© Paul Nolan

3rd December, 2012

Tags: Sydney Theatre Reviews- RENT, Sutherland Memorial Arts Theatre, Sydney Arts Guide, Paul Nolan