Categories: Lifestyle

Rent The Musical (Rerun) Review

Having successfully staged the “Rent the Musical” show last February 2010, 9 Works Theatrical, together with Power Plant Cinema, is bringing back the award-winning Broadway Musical RENT to Manila.

What to expect?

New casts:

  • Sheree Bautista as Mimi Marquez
  • Ampy Sietereales will alternate as Mimi
  • Lorenz Martinez as landlord Benjamin Coffin III
  • Mian Dimacali as bisexual performance artist Maureen Johnson
  • Sab Jose and Pam Imperial are also joining the ensemble

Some of the country’s talented theater artists who will reprise their roles for this specific production of RENT (as previously staged by 9 Works Theatrical – Feb. 2010) include:

  • Gian Magdangal as Roger Davis, the songwriter.
  • Fredison Lo as Mark Cohen, the nerdy filmmaker
  • OJ Mariano as Tom Collins, the computer genius
  • Job Bautista as Angel Dummott Schunard, Collins’ drag queen street musician lover
  • Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson, Maureen’s public interest lawyer lover.
  • The rest of the ensemble is composed of Gary Junsay, Harold Cruz, Johann de la Fuente, Mark Tayag and Peachy Atilano.

New Stage and Set:

From big stage:

to smaller stage and different set-up

With a new but smaller stage, blocking, staging, and choreography are still great. Though there’s a little problem with the sound system.

The Story
RENT is created by the late multi-awarded and multi-talented composer, Jonathan Larson. Broadway show lovers will surely enjoy this musical stage as this rock musical show will definitely have instant connection with today’s generation, especially to those who are aspiring to become recognized artists. The play’s popularity led the RENT to won several awards, like the Tony Award for Best Musical among others.

RENT is a remake of the “La Boheme”, a classic Puccini opera. The story is set in East Village, New York City. It revolves around the lives of poor and sickly aspiring artists striving hard to be given a break and determined to reach their dreams. Despite all odds, these artists managed to overcome all the obstacles that they have encountered in life until they found love and their way to stardom, as well. What is really interesting with this musical is how the characters deal with their personal problems and how they battled and cope with the hindrances towards good and contented life.

My Review
Let me start off with a question I’ve heard: Sheree can sing? My answer? Yes she can! Viva Hot Babe Sheree can really sing! However, on the first half of the show I thought Sheree’s voice was very weak and I was afraid she might lose her voice. But she nailed it on the second half especially with the song “With You”

Gian Magdangal performance as Roger Davis was outstanding! Once again, he truly captured the emotional hurdles Roger faces within the year.  He’s charm on stage is amazing and he just keeps getting better and better!

Another pair who lit up the stage were Tom Collins (played by OJ Mariano) and Angel (Job Bautista). Once again these roles, and the relationship between them, were very complex and emotionally demanding. I really love their chemistry. Their scenes will really tug at your heartstrings.

Another performer to watch out for is Mian Dimacali. Played as Maureen Johnson, Mian was awesome and provided an excellently mature performance. She truly captured the audience with her energetic and entertaining performance.

In addition, Joanne (played by Jenny Villegas) was excellently portrayed. I really love Joanne and Maureen’s confrontation scene where they are singing Take Me or Leave Me. Jenny Villegas and Mian Dimacali complimented one another very well.

No doubt Lorenz Martinez can really sing and act (I saw his performance in Wedding Singer), but his role as Benny is  quite forgettable.

Sab Jose (Alexi Darling) and Peachy Atilano (Mark’s Mom) are so cute! I love their energy on stage!

Overall, the new cast is likable, the old cast is still exceptional and the show is still very touching. I would watch it again and again and again! This play covers it all: drama, laughter, sadness, illness, celebration and love.

The artistic team of RENT is led by Robbie Guevara, director; Ricky Villante, musical director – band; Onyl Torres, musical director – vocals; Mio Infante, scenographer; Martin Esteva, Lighting Designer; Chuck Ledesma, sound designer; Bek Soriano, costume stylist; and Francis Matheu for additional choreography.

The RENT production team is composed of the following: Santi Santamaria, executive producer; Anna Santamaria, company manager; Toff de Venecia, Marketing & PR Director and Production Manager; Paul Domine, Technical Director; Arma Bonilla, stage manager; Toots Tolentino, PR Consultant; Jonjon Martin, PR Manager; Shelyn Tayanes, Marketing Manager; Campaigns & Grey, PR Agency.

CATCH “RENT, THE MUSICAL” AT POWER PLANT CINEMA (DEC. 8 – 12)

In celebration of Power Plant Cinema’s 10th Anniversary, RENT – a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning revolutionary rock musical will be presented for a limited run at Cinema 2 from December 8 -12, 2010.

Produced by Power Plant Cinema and 9 Works Theatrical, RENT will be directed by Robbie Guevara.
RENT will be staged for a limited run of 8 performances at Power Plant Cinema 2 from December 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (8PM), December 10 (330PM), 11 (4PM) & 12 (430PM). Get your tickets now at the Power Plant Cinema ticket booth. Call 898-1440 or 898 1441 or 0908-8692988.

Socially relevant, youthful, and moving, RENT lives on, along with the affirmation that there is “no day but today.”

Viva La Vie Boheme!

RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) 421 West 54th Street, New York, New York 10019 Tel.: (212) 541-4684 • www.mtishows.com

Mommy Iris

I'm a lifestyle and mommy blogger from the Philippines. Pinay Ads was created to share bits and pieces of my life and my family. I have a wide array of interests that include entertainment, movies, music, gadgets, traveling, food, baking, and more. So, I hope you’ll stick around and enjoy reading!

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