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Theatre Review: “Rent: 20th Anniversary Tour” Starts Out Rickety But Ends Up On A Solid Track For Success

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Those who have followed the story of these young and talented survivors for the last twenty years are diehard fans who can quote the original script verbatim. The different relationships that account for a diverse set of characters, each have valid meaning that goes hand in hand with the plot and serves as a foundation of realistic relevance for the varied representation of race, class and sexual preference that exists in our society today.

Benny (Christian Thompson), who is now the owner of the building that his former roommates Mark (Danny Harris Kornfeld) and Roger (Kaleb Wells) live in, seems to hold all the cards in his hand until he is backed against the wall by Mark’s former lover Maureen (Katie Lamark) who stages a protest of Benny’s plan to put all the tenants out and run away the homeless people who depend on the lot next door for their survival. Mark and Roger’s plan to shut Maureen down in exchange for free rent backfires when a riot breaks out and Benny locks everyone out of the building. Mark and Roger’s plans fatefully change when they decide to illegally re-enter the building with the support of their friends who offer creative ways to circumvent Benny’s system of exclusion.

The entire cast of “Rent” provides excellent entertainment in the representation of their roles as energetic youth with boundless talent. The multi-talented group of professionals are well-trained actors who are strong and mentally and physically prepared to carry out the fast paced movement of the storyline in its entirety. The audience responded well to the frequently humorous scenes that were witty, meaningful and most of all, memorable. With the exception of too widely scattered themes at the very beginning to get everyone up to speed, the theatrical experience provided by Director Evan Ensign and Executive Producer Stephen Gabriel, is right on track for a successful run.

Performing now at the Winspear Opera House September 20 – October 2

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Tracee Bond

Tracee is a movie critic and interviewer who was born in Long Beach and raised in San Diego, California. As a Human Resource Professional and former Radio Personality, Tracee has parlayed her interviewing skills, interest in media, and crossover appeal into a love for the Arts and a passion for understanding the human condition through oral and written expression. She has been writing for as long as she can remember and considers it a privilege to be complimented for the only skill she has been truly able to master without formal training!