Quote of the Day: The heart may freeze, or it can burn. The pain will ease, and I can learn. There is no future. There is no past. I live this moment, as my last. Jonathan Larson, lyrics in Rent.
Jonathan Larson’s musical Rent took the theater world by storm in 1996, winning four Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize. It’s a rock musical featuring young artists in the early 1990’s, their relationships and struggles, and AIDS. The current production of Rent at Artistry in Bloomington is dynamic and engaging and brings out all the heart of this tragic piece that was near and dear to its creator’s heart.

Michelle De Joya, Wesley Mouri, and Sara Masterson and company in Rent at Artistry, thru 10/27/24. Photo: Alyssa Kristine
This was only my second time seeing this iconic musical, and my companion’s first time. Compare that to my friend Jill who has seen it 18 times! (Check out her review at Cherry and Spoon.) Kelly Foster Warder is both director and choreographer and has an exceptional cast to work with, giving them each a chance to let their talents shine. Multi-level set design by Eli Sherlock gives you the feeling of being in New York City. The scaffolding moves to create space for the dancers, or provide a place for platforms movement. The character Mimi, played by Michelle De Joya, was spectacular, showing us her strength as a performer and emotional range as a character. Mimi’s story really stood out to me in this production.

Michelle De Joya as Mimi in Rent at Artistry, thru 10/27/24. Photo: Alyssa Kristine
Mark, played by Wesley Mouri, is the main storyteller. He’s filming a documentary about their lives in the early 1990’s. He’s hoping to break into the filming world and make a name for himself. We hear commentary from him and see some of the footage, highlighting what is meaningful to the characters at the time. His friend and roommate is Roger, played by Caleb Michael. He’s a lonely guitar player, grieving the death of his girlfriend and reeling from his own diagnosis of being HIV positive. Mimi enters his life and tries to bring him out of his funk.

Caleb Michael as Roger and Wesley Mouri as Mark in Rent at Artistry, thru 10/27/24. Photo: Alyssa Kristine
Mark is also feeling the sting of rejection by his former girlfriend and performing artist Maureen, played by Sara Masterson. Maureen is in a new relationship now with a woman named Joanne, played by Quinn Lorez. Mark and Joanne have a great duet in “Tango Maureen” and their complicated relationships. The whole friend group struggles with their relationship to Benny, played by Ninchai Nok-Chiclana, who was once living with them in the same struggles, but has now moved on and owns the building where they’re all living, rent free.

Mitchell Douglas as Angel in Rent at Artistry, thru 10/27/24. Photo: Alyssa Kristine
At the heart of the story is the relationship between Collins, played by Matthew Hall, and Angel, played by Mitchell Douglas. Collins gets mugged on the street where Mark and Roger live, and Angel is the one who finds him and helps him. Angel is a flamboyant, generous soul who is dying from AIDS. When Collins sings “I’ll Cover You – Reprise” in Act II, the entire audience is silent and many are wiping their eyes. It’s the emotional peak of the show for me.

Matthew Hall as Collins in Rent at Artistry, thru 10/27/24. Photo: Alyssa Kristine
Jason Hansen is the conductor/music director of a live band on a raised platform at the back of the stage. Their presence is vital to the dynamic nature of this piece. The ensemble of singers and dancers fill out this world as various characters: Po Cushman, Julia Diaz, Javari Horne, Marley Ritchie, Em Rosenberg, and Ben Siglin. I like how Act I ends with the big number “La Vie Boheme/I Should Tell You” and Act II opens with “Seasons of Love.” Lots of great staging and movement in both numbers. Everything was so dynamic and visually appealing.
You can see Rent at Artistry in Bloomington, MN through Oct. 27, 2024.
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