REVIEW | RENT, KTC Senior Musical Theatre

★★★★ .5

Reviewer - EMMIE

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

RENT is an emotive account of Bohemian life in East Village, New York around 1989-1990.  Jonathan Larson's much-loved musical is a passionate rock musical loosely based on Puccini's opera La Boheme.

For those unaware of the show, RENT's score captures the heart and spirit of a generation of artists living in the shadows of the HIV/AIDS crisis of the late 80s. It reflects on falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. The musical first opened on Broadway in 199 and became a winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pultizer Prize for Drama. However it is not very often you see a young company perform this musical and it has definitely come in the firing line of some conversations.

Back in 2009, three planned high school productions in California, Texas and West Virginia were cancelled after administrators and/or parents raised concerns about the show’s morality, its portrayal of homosexuality and theft, and its frank discussions of drug use and HIV. However, Kristian Cunningham’s aspiring company demonstrate that this musical can be delivered in a mature and intelligent manner with the right people behind it.

The KTC Senior Musical Theatre Company’s production was fused together by four inspiring women, Katy Mac, Katie Lawson, Sam Hedley and Shannon O’Donnell. Their finished presentation has been well crafted, suitable for a smaller stage and the well built character development for each of the leads is clear to see. They’ve been sensitive of the musical’s subject matter whilst not shying away from how to deliver it suitably.

The large company fill the stage for the entirety of the performance, often in the background but very much intertwined into the storytelling. O’Donnell has brought in some great choreography which helps to lift the musical numbers, particulary ‘La Vie Bohème’. There were times when I would have wanted more focus on the musical number vocally rather than a dance sequence added to it. However this does offer more opportunity for the ensemble to shine and become completely involved which would have otherwise been missed.

Again this production comes with an unforgettable cast - particularly the leads. Aged between around 15-19, their performances were mature and well thought through. Max Henshaw (Roger), Amelie Turner (Mimi), Ben Hale (Mark), Savannah Pinto (Maureen), Orlagh McAleese (Joanne), Bailey West (Collins), Max Fuller (Angel) and Jake Lightbrown (Benny) offer something excellent on their own individual story within the wider picture. Max Fuller absorbed every opportunity to bring the zest of Angel’s character whilst Bailey West tugged at the emotion of Collin’s battle with his grief in the second half. Orlagh McAleese and Savannah Pinto had instant chemistry with one another whilst also blending perfectly in their rendition of ‘Take Me Or Leave Me’. Pinto was particularly captivating as Maureen; when you’ve seen the likes of popular West End leading lady Lucie Jones take this role, Savannah Pinto makes it her own in spectacular style. There is definitely some work needed on the finer details, probably something which was lost in the transition from the studio to the stage. I have no doubt that they’ll iron these out and build from their first night to give a stronger performance for the rest of the run.

RENT is no doubt a musical with a lot to give. A lot of people aren’t sure what to expect but KTO’s production will certainly have you wanting to watch it all over again. The young company have done an excellent job with such a brave choice for a musical production such as RENT and they execute a blazing production!

Rent is performing at the Duchess Theatre, Derbyshire until 28 January. You can find out more and book your tickets here.