Review: RENT Keeps Finding Ways to Get to Your Heart

Jonathan Larson's RENT 20th Anniversary Tour made its way back to the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis this week. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical could have come across as dated or unimportant with 20 years (actually 21) behind it, but lucky for me and the full houses who purchased tickets to the Minneapolis run, that was not the case.

In 1996, the original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway and forever changed the landscape of American musical theatre. Groundbreaking in how it pushed the boundaries of what had become typical musical theatre standards, RENT opened the doors to a new world of using current music and themes in a new way that has lead to such Broadway successes in recent years as HAMILTON and DEAR EVAN HANSEN.

So 20 years down the road, heading to the theatre, one wondered if the new production would seem dated and passe, or if they would update it in some way. Having seen RENT over a dozen times, I was used to the familiar costumes, looks, choreography and virtually every other aspect as every production has been reproductions of the original Michael Greif-directed show. This 20th anniversary production did not disappoint. Most of the show was identical to past shows, and in this case, that is comforting. It's still the show that we know and love. Why mess with success?

A re-imagining of Puccini's La Bohème, RENT follows a year in the lives of seven friends and artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. But the primary lesson in RENT is to treasure each day you're given while treasuring each person in your life. There's "No Day But Today," as none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow, so embracing those we love and living the day to its fullest is the surest way to measure your life -- and the love in it. The relationships between lovers Roger and Mimi, Angel and Collins, Joann and Maureen, as well as the friendships between each of them and friend Mark, too, are reminders that love takes many forms.

The song between Collins and Angel, "I'll Cover You," is one of my favorites with the joy the partners express to one another as they fall in love and when (SPOILER ALERT) Angel dies of AIDS in Act II and Collins reprises the song at her funeral, it's truly one of the most touching moments in musical theatre. Collins deep bass vocal is thrilling each and every time. AaRon Harrington's matches other performances I've seen and heard -- not bad for an actor in his stage debut.

Most of the cast are dependable and meet expectations in their respective parts. Roger, played by Kaleb Wells, is inconsistent vocally, however. While he sells it with some numbers, his vocals go off pitch too frequently, pulling you out of your RENT-induced high for a moment. He looks the part, though his hair flipping was also distracting at times.

Most of the cast are new to national touring or the stage, so overall they have come together over the year of touring to form a solid ensemble.

RENT closes after two shows on June 11, 2017. Tickets are likely still available but don't delay. www.hennepintheatretrust.org

Photo: The Company of the RENT 20th Anniversary Tour. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

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