'Rent' measures seasons of love and loss for Gen-Xers

"Will I lose my dignity? / Will someone care? / Will I wake tomorrow, / from this nightmare?" These resounding words ignite the benevolent passion that ties human nature with sorrow. A generation is dying far before its time, and nothing can be done to stop it. The plague that is taking over society is AIDS, and the young free spirits of Generation X make up the most risk-prone group out there. The only thing slowing the virus is time.

"Rent" is the most popular musical to hit Broadway since "A Chorus Line." It is a cultural phenomenon because it deals with survival in a dying community; it's a celebration of life and of living.

Courtesy of Nederlander Organization Adam Pascal and Daphne Rubin-Vega, who originated the roles of Roger and Mimi in "Rent," get a little closer. The touring company of "Rent" is now a little closer to you, appearing at Detroit's Fisher Theatre.

"Rent" is the latest musical to win the Pulitzer Prize (not a common occurrence). The show began its two-month run at Detroit's Fisher Theatre on April 8. Its popularity has demanded sold-out performances ever since the show transferred from off-Broadway's New York Theater Workshop to the Nederlander Theater on the Great White Way. Most of its popularity can be explained by the attention it gives to creative expression among today's young adults.

The musical was written by Jonathan Larson in 1991, and didn't begin workshops until 1994. The music is entirely modern with rock inflections. The most amazing feat of the show, according to seasoned critics, is that the story is based upon Puccini's "La Boheme," an opera written more than 100 years ago and set within the Bohemian district of Paris.

"Rent," on the other hand, is set in New York's East Village, an area commonly described as a modern artistic community composed of Bohemian Gen-Xers.

The story of "Rent" follows a group of friends through a period of one year. Four of the seven are battling HIV, relationships develop and dissolve, and the meaning of life is discussed. The effect of the musical is overwhelmingly emotional because it makes young people examine their lives and makes them realize the importance of having both an identity and an impact on those lives around them.

The cast of the national tour stopping in Detroit is warmly erotic. This cast is not like the original Broadway cast, something that is often attempted with national tours. But each actor has made provisions to make a character his/her own; it is nice to see such fresh performances. With "Rent," the rawer the performance, the more realistic the story will become.

REVIEW
	Rent April 9 through June 14, 1998 Fisher Theatre

An amazing interpretation of Roger, the songwriter, was given by Manley Pope. His strong vocals brought the most energy to the production. Pope's performance of "One Song Glory," a song about love, was overwhelmingly outstanding. It's unfortunate that he will be leaving the cast on April 19, as was indicated in the Playbill.

The character of Mark is supposed to be weak and timid. Christian Anderson brought just those qualities out of his character, making for a heartfelt and trusted narrator. Anderson especially shined during the Act I finale, "La Vie Boheme," in which the cast chants through a list of the people and things that make the history and life of the Bohemian so enigmatic. "To leather, to dildos, to curry vindaloo / To Huevos Rancheros and Maya Angelou ... To sodomy / It's between God and me / To S&M / La Vie Boheme."

A rather limited performance was delivered by Evan D'Angeles as Angel, the show's drag queen. D'Angeles seemed too shy and lacked the drive that makes Angel such a spectacle. He simply carried through the motions without giving the character depth or distinction. Angel is supposed to be a drummer (hence the two drumsticks the character carries around). It would have been nice if this Angel had rhythm.

Erin Keaney, as Maureen Johnson, stopped the show with her performance art interpretation of "Over the Moon." Her wacky yet dippy persona made a comedian out of Maureen. Keaney had the audience mooing with particular delight.

Even one grandma was spotted lowing. Keaney helped contribute to the powerful duet "Take Me or Leave Me" with Joanne, played skillfully by classy Sylvia MacCalla. Both women are natural belters and the duet turned from mighty ditty into a massive song altercation, in B major.

Especially poignant and moving was the performance delivered by C.C. Brown as Tom Collins. Brown's deep baritone brought tears as he sang "I'll Cover You," in tribute to his recently lost love. His fresh voice gave way to a plethora of emotions, and brought his group of friends back to a moment of reality during their sad state of grief.

The supporting cast served their purpose, but nothing more. It seems that the producers of this "Rent" wanted fresh young performers with little or no experience.

At times, the supporting players seemed to rush through their scenes, without giving particular concentration to enunciation or clarity. Many of the show's main theme lies within the vignettes that involve the background homeless and drug pushers. Without understanding what it is being said entirely, an audience can lose pertinent insight into what "Rent" is all about.

"Rent" is moving because you can fall in love with the characters. Not only do they become your friends, but you want to see them survive. Simply put, "Rent" is like great sex - it's with someone you love, and it lasts for hours. Missing out on "Rent" is like remaining a virgin for the rest of your life.

"Rent" explicitly explains what can be done with this gift called "life." Each of us are given the same amount of time to become great.

For "Rent"'s creator, Jonathan Larson, this means that we are all given 525,600 minutes each year to contribute to the world. Larson's life was cut short the night before "Rent" opened at the NYTW when he suffered an aortic aneurysm.

His contribution to life ended when he was 35, but his art lives on. Larson realized and lived his message. "There's only us / There's only this / Forget regret or life is yours to miss ... there's only now / there's only here / give in to love / or live in fear / No other path / No other way / No day but today."

- Tickets for "Rent" can be purchased for performances through June 13 by calling Ticketmaster at (248) 645-6666.

04-13-98