“Rent” stands test of time in return to Boston

If you have never heard of “Rent,” you will adore this classic love story that deals with drug addiction, finding your sexuality, and the struggles of living in New York City. The show is on its 25th anniversary farewell tour, playing in Boston at the Boch Center / Shubert Theatre through Sunday, Oct. 17.

“Rent” was the first play I saw in person since the pandemic, and it was well worth the wait. The stage had an orchestral pit that was seen on stage, as well as many levels of stairs, balconies, and ladders, all in the form of a old New York style apartment. The musical is set in 1989, when the actors are experiencing a financial crisis of living in The Big Apple.

The first act starts with Mark (played by Cody Jenkins) who lives with Roger (played by Coleman Cummings), his best friend. Mark loves to do photography in his free time and captures his neighbors through his video camera. Roger is a struggling musician who, as many of the characters in the play, is also struggling to pay rent in his apartment.

Next door to Roger and Mark live a group of homeless who are on the verge of being kicked out by Benny (played by Jarred Bedgood). Benny has bought the property and wants to build a high-end arts studio. This gets the homeless mad and wanting to protest, which is when Maureen (played by Lyndie Moe) — who used to be Mark’s girlfriend — steps in and schedules a protest for Christmas Eve. Benny is baffled and offers Mark a deal: If Mark can stop the protest, he can live in the building rent free. Maureen still hosts her protest, which erupts in a big riot that Mark recorded with his video camera. 

Act 2 begins on New Year’s Eve, when Mark, Roger, and his diverse group of friends try to break into the building. The play follows the actors through the rest of the year where lovers break up, some die, and others get back together. 

“Rent” is a great musical for music lovers and actors like myself who want to learn more about theater. 

The costumes were mesmerizing and unique, with costume changes happening even on stage! The stage was covered in scenery painted in a style of buildings, making in sometimes seem as if the actors were all together, but at different locations on the stage. The stage also has automatic snow machines, and candles that lit up when the songs began. 

Almost 90 percent of the play is performed in a song form, which was very interesting to see as the audience interacted with the songs by clapping, whoo’ing, and yelling when the actors hit insanely high notes. 

The spotlights on the stage made for the most fascinating lighting I’ve seen on a stage. Over 50 follow-spots we’re capturing the actors, with mostly white but also blue lighting. 

“Rent” is a fantastic mix of everything ranging from love to death, and featuring many gay, lesbian, and straight couples throughout the show. The play includes some inappropriate language and sexual references, which makes the play 13+. It is definitely a must-see, so grab tickets before the show leaves Boston after Sunday’s show!

(“Rent” will be at Boston’s Boch Center / Shubert Theatre through Sunday, Oct. 17. For information and tickets, go HERE.)

–Oct. 14, 2021–