Rent @ Chatswood

Just got back from seeing the cast from Penrith performing RENT at Chatswood.

I've seen Rent performed many times, by many different casts (professional and amatuer) and I just have to say, this cast have really done it! This is the worst production of Rent I have EVER seen.

Before I start to sound like im being harsh, the guys on lights were great!

My one main complaint. Richard Coleman. The guy playing Roger.....what the hell was he doing?! Ive seen quite a few Roger's who arent all that capable in the vocal department, but they made up for it with their acting and what they brought emotionally to the character. This guy had nothing.
How he got the role, I'll never know. He spent most of his songs gazing up at the roof failing to hit any of the notes. Emotionally, he was completely vacant. Very disappointing.

I thought the guy playing Mark was great. He knew what it was all about.
Angel was hilarious. Today 4 U was very well done.
Collins, although not vocally all there, was good acting wise and funny when he needed to be. I liked him a lot.
Maureen was funny in Over the Moon.

However, the Maureen and Joanne pairing, I wasnt getting. They had no chemistry at all. If I didnÂ’t know the show, I wouldnÂ’t get that theyÂ’re lesbian lovers. They just seemed like friends who were real bitches to each other. Take Me or Leave Me was just a bitÂ…..flat. It never seemed to really take off.

I fail to see how or why
a) theyÂ’re charging people $30 to see this production
b) the director allowed these people to get up there and perform that way

RockdaleÂ’s production contained a lot of very talented performers, and although at times emotionally they werenÂ’t all there, they had a great production which seemed very professional.

Rent at Chatswood seemed like a group of high school kids got together and put this production on during recess. Besides Mark (who even at times seemed a bit lost), there wasn’t really a solid performer in the cast. Acting –wise, vocally or emotionally, I really didn’t connect with any of the characters. I didn’t really care for Mimi and Roger. You could tell their Mimi could perform, but playing alongside this Roger, he really brought her down.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the cast worked very hard on the show, alot of the ensemble were very into it and very passionate. Alot of the leads however left alot to be desired.

All in all, I was very disappointed. ItÂ’s a shame I canÂ’t get my $30 back.

It is a shame "Rent Fan", that you feel this way. I however, thought that the cast and crew of this particular production of Rent did a very creditable job.

I don't know them personally, which I feel maybe you do given that some of your more distasteful comments were fired at particular cast members, but my opinion on this production (and I, as you am no professional critict) is that it was tight, real and fun. It wasn't a professional production, so I did't go expecting to see one, but there was definate potential!

I saw the Friday night show where I belived that Richard Coleman displayed great stage presence and when reading his profile in the programme and getting in a quick word with him after the show, I was supprised to learn that he had never done anything of this nature before. This was his first step into musical theatre. So, I say well done! You convinced me in your role as Roger and I'm sure with more experience, your vocal and acting abilities will only improve.

Natalie Carboni played a great Mimi! It was obvious she has had experience on the stage and her voice was a pleasure to listen to. I would see her in another show anytime!

Joanne and Maureen's character's were well played. Both character's had strong and pleasent voices and I especially enjoyed their rendition of 'Take Me or Leave Me'. It's not an easy song, thier harmonies were spot on and at no time did they loose focus on what they were doing. A very believable performance! 'Over the Moon' was fantastic also. It is the type of song that requires alot of audience participation to really take off, and although it was maybe a little over some peoples heads, there were many times where the audience were in fits of laughter.

The same with Angel and Collins. They worked great together and had alot of chemistry on stage. Both cast members showed particular strength in their acting capabilities. The high light definately being 'Today For You' with Angel, Collins, Mark and Roger.

David Tucker showed great consistancy in his role of Mark Cohen in all aspects of his performance. Great voice and believable acting. He knew how to use the stage and communicate with the audience. Great expression!

I could keep writing as I don't feel there was a member of cast that didn't show potential in at least some, if not all areas of their performance. Really, it's a shame 'Rent Fan' that you felt it necissary to post such a nasty and uneducated review on a site like this. I say good on anyone who has the guts to get out there and do what these performer's did! It was a great show, and if I had the opportunity I would see it again. Well done Utopian Productions Aus. and to all the cast members and crew. I do agree with one comment and that is that the lighting was great!

Hey Gwen,

I was in both the Penrith and Chatswood productions of RENT (I wasnt a lead but I got the best chorus bits haha).

Nat was great. Richard, considering this to be his first foray into theatre did well at bringing out the tortured soul in Roger.

Thanks for coming to see the show. I hope to see you at the next one we do, whenever that may be. Haha.

Thanks for the support!

Derek.

I think Rent is overrated anyway really.

Yeah but your an idiot, so who really cares what you think.

Saucer of milk for Philip please.

ooohhhhhhhh!!