Last weekend Santa Maria Civic Theatre brought down the house with its outstanding opening of Rent, the terrific rock musical based on a modern-day version of Puccini’s opera La Bohème that is playing through May 25.
It’s an emotionally moving ensemble piece based on the lives of struggling artists and musicians in New York City during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Great writing, strong relationships, and an excellent score sent Rent straight to the top when it was released off-Broadway in January 1996. I was lucky enough to see it in 2000 after it moved to the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway in April 1996.
By the end of the first act, emotions have been tossed from joy to sorrow to hope. By the end of act two, the audience has laughed, sang along, and cried multiple times.”
SMCT director Jaime Espinoza does an incredible job of moving 16 bodies around a shallow stage and scant, industrial set pieces in an emotionally inviting way. From the top of act one, the audience is drawn in to the complicated lives and endearing stories of the compelling characters onstage.
By the end of the first act, emotions have been tossed from joy to sorrow to hope. By the end of act two, the audience has laughed, sang along, and cried multiple times.
Rent offers a look inside the lives of artists of all backgrounds who want a chance to share their talents and gifts in the big leagues. They show us what it means to sacrifice for your art. They teach us about those who prey on these sensitive types. We learn, in retrospect, how lucky we are to be on the other side of the AIDS epidemic, and the impact it had on the LGBTQ community. We are reminded how hard it was for those not as lucky as us. But at least—one can hope—we learned something from it.
The SMCT cast is rife with talent. Ben Letchtman, who as a witty, budding documentary filmmaker is perfectly cast and carries the show. Jules Bianaco executes the definition of the angsty, brooding songwriter. David Smith shows vulnerability and unconditional love in his character, while Brandon MacDonald breaks the audience’s heart from onstage after stealing it with his charm. Madison Neilson is another heartbreaker, because you adore her and can’t help but root for her.
Daniel Mariscal’s character seems repulsive at first, but shows his true colors by the end. Lynda Mondragon captures the essence of an organized, perfectionist girlfriend. And last, but never least, Aiyani Mersai absolutely nails her role—making the audience love to hate her. She is fully committed in every show and stands out no matter what role she takes on.
The Awesome Ensemble includes Alyssa Ann-Balboa Wallace, Jim Dahmen, Kyle Ruiz Hawkins, Lauren Marszalkowski, Lyndsay Sewell, Mari Sullivan, Nicole Sewell, and Sara Ruth Smith.
Go see a show!