Penny Presents... RENT - Opening this Friday @ Tom Mann Theatre

I have to declare a conflict at the outset of this review. Although I’m not a member of Penny Presents, I’ve been helping out at the shows, and have now seen 3 of the 4 performances. Oh, I’m also Roger’s (off-stage) wife. (Knew there was another connection) Having been there so much, and having heard nothing but RENT music, RENT stories, and RENT rehearsal tales for the last several months in my home, I think I’m qualified to say something about the show, and about the previous comments, too. For those who know me, I’m also tactless – extremely. Poor John (Roger) gets the complete truth (good, bad and ugly) from me about his shows! I also have musical theatre experience (mainly production) of my own – including running a sound desk (what an awful job that is!). This production of RENT is fantastic! There are some problems, yes, but you only have to watch a few bootlegs of the OBC on youtube to see that even the pros have hitches sometimes. Opening night had quite a few technical hitches, but most opening nights do! And as for sound problems, I agree that at times the cast can be hard to hear, and the band can be overpowering (My Dad switched seats on Saturday night’s performance to get a bit of distance from them), but it’s a Rock Musical, in a small venue – loud should probably be expected. The Sunday matinee had a great balance, with the band loud enough to be enjoyed, but generally being able to hear most people most of the time. Great job! After 4 shows, the cast is now really smooth. The leads are all outstanding (obviously, I have favourites!), but the strength really is in the way the whole cast interrelates with each other throughout the story. Although a lot has been made of the chemistry between Roger and Mimi (Caitlin Street) (it's quite funny what people will say when they don't know who you are connected to!!!), I certainly felt the attraction between the other stage couples also! It’s true that John and Caitlin have a great rapport – they are good friends on and off stage, and if this connection lets them play roles like these believably and with passion, then good on them. All the couples are great to watch – and the entire lot of you are realllllllly good to watch in “Contact”. (Odd, aren’t I??) Despite some really hard patches during rehearsals, and the (usual) panic close to the opening night, I think you guys are awesome, and you’ve pulled together like the community you are trying to depict. Yes, there are weaker spots; yes, there are things I would’ve done differently if I had a hand in it, but I didn’t put my hand up for any of the hard work, so why should I get a say in it now? But, putting on a show, and asking people to pay to watch it (even for a good cause) is a risky venture. And I think everyone is entitled to be respected for their views – we don’t have to agree with them! And you should take encouragement, inspiration and changes (or whatever) from any source you can. More than anything, you guys deserve a HUGE audience to witness this great show! So, I encourage anyone who reads this to COME ALONG and support the Arts, and more importantly, the AIDS Trust of Australia. The cast is young, fresh, and enthusiastic. The music is upbeat, edgy and magical to listen to. This is a production with real spirit. Proud to put my name to my opinions!! Sarah Hogan – “Roger’s” wife.