"Seasons of Love" have come to Emory, with Ad Hoc Productions' rendition of "Rent," Jonathan Larson's legendary rock musical about love, loss and "living with, living with, not dying from disease." Directed by Oxford College sophomore Tyler Moon and College junior Chelsea Walton, the show features moving lead performances and an invigorating ensemble cast.
"Rent" is performed on a simple set outfitted with Christmas lights, and the actors are accompanied by a talented group of live musicians. The play opens with a focus on observant filmmaker Mark, portrayed with a sense of knowing and understanding by College junior Billy Tisano. Mark's roommate, depressed ex-rocker Roger (played by College sophomore Ryan Stevenson), is searching for the perfect song and mourning the death of his ex-girlfriend. Stevenson brings real grit to the role, hiding in his apartment and remaining unmoved by anyone until he meets Mimi (College freshman Cloe Gentile).
Gentile has a wonderful singing voice, and as Mimi she dances into Roger's life with great energy. Gentile and Stevenson have strong chemistry, and Gentile captures the audience's attention with Mimi's sensual song "Out Tonight." Mimi wildly dances for the audience and for Roger, but she cannot seem to break Roger's sad resolve. Even when he accepts Mimi's love, Roger fights with his inner demons in the song "I Should Tell You."
In the midst of Roger's struggle to open up, Collins, an out-of-work academic, and Angel, a kind drag queen, provide some romantic relief. With their storyline, these two characters explore how to preserve joy and love in spite of pain and disease. The result is a very sweet, caring relationship nicely portrayed by College freshmen Aaron Freedman (Collins) and Mathew Sperling (Angel). Freedman has a soulful voice and expresses Collins' cheerful countenance with an ever-present smile. Sperling sports Angel's outrageous costumes boldly, but brings a gentle spirit to the character. He teaches Collins, Roger, Mark and Mimi how to love without inhibition.
The first act builds up to a protest organized by Maureen, Mark's ex-girlfriend and lawyer Joanne's current squeeze. Maureen, portrayed by College senior Kristie Denlinger, completely steals the show with her animated and hilarious protest speech. At one point in the speech, Denlinger implores audience members to moo with her, and we gleefully obliged.
Denlinger precisely depicts Maureen's radical activist hippie spirit and invigorates the show.
Maureen and the company are supported by the very put-together Joanne (College junior Chelsae-Daughn Gill-James) and her no-nonsense attitude. Gill-James shows off her superb singing chops with Maureen and Joanne's break-up song "Take Me for What I Am."
Maureen and Joanne enliven the rest of the cast just in time for "La Vie Boheme." This song encapsulates the free spirit of "Rent," and the company joyfully dances on tables, thrusts, twirls and sings their hearts out. Larger numbers like "La Vie Boheme" and "Seasons of Love" give the spectacular members of the ensemble a chance to show off their excellent voices and hilarious theatrical timing.
As the show moves into the second act, the play takes a turn for the serious. Angel's health declines and everyone is deeply affected. Tensions flare and a slur is directed at Collins, but his friends quickly come to his defense.
"Rent" shows how fear can damage people and their relationships more than disease, but each heartfelt song and tender scene prove that love and honesty provide healing.
Overall, Ad Hoc's "Rent" is a lovely show, genuinely and passionately performed by a great cast and an excellent ensemble. From the twinkling lights to the powerful songs, "Rent" brings the holiday spirit to Emory and reminds us all to "remember the love."
– By Jordie Davies
Photo by Krysten Johnson
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