ACT's 2024 visionary production of RENT from Director Chris Rabideau, Assistant Director Cristina Orlando, Marketing & Costume Manager Moya McAlister, Costume Designer Valentine Yaghoubzadeh, and Musical Director Alde Calcagong is one that will be on the hearts and minds of everyone for years to come.
Set in the East Village of New York City, RENT is the story of a group of bohemian young artists and musicians who are struggling to survive another day, and faced with grappling reality of the HIV/AIDS epidemic as well as their own mortality.
The show was fantastic delving into so many important themes that are often overlooked. There is such an awareness of who each character is and how they navigate the world.
Highlights for me:
👉Tom (Tony Coates) and Angel (Mann Maniquis) Their love felt so unshakeable. I also loved to see the vulnerability that was slowly revealed from Roger (Kyle Cloutier) and Mimi (Marcela Garzaro) as they both gave such strong performances together and solo.
👉The artistic expression of "Over the Moon" from Maureen (Alaina Kerr) was incredibly intense. I also loved Joanne's (Kianna Porter) empowering self in the song, "Take Me or Leave Me". Mark (Ian Macdonald) who may seem like the odd one of the bunch, felt like he belonged without a hitch, hitting the high notes especially in "What You Own". Benny (Deves Matwawana) who could be seen as the antagonist, really shone in the song "You'll See."
👉Songs under the direction of Vocal Director, Christine Chemello like "Another Day", "Without You" , "La Vie Boheme", "Seasons of Love", and "I'll Cover You" were sung with such passion, as the lyrics touch the souls of anyone who hears them. RENT comes with every emotion that someone may experience on a continuous pendulum that we call life, from feelings of hope, anger, sadness, grief, acceptance and of course, love.
👉Adding in was a perfect flow of dance sequences from Technical Dance Director Leslie McCurdy, guest choreographer Bryan Hindle, and Assisted Choreographers Tiffany Chan, Bella Mancina, and Simone Orlando. It really heightened the level of emotional depth through the art of movement and storytelling.
👉Let's not forget the ensemble cast either who filled the stage with heart-warming performances and vocals from long-time art supporter, singer and actress Kristen Essery, first timer on stage Jalen Hamilton, another welcoming stage debut of Ally Nguyen and more!
👉There were little nuances to keep your eyes on from the large video screens, thanks to the incredible video content team from Gene Schilling, Mitchell Branget, and full disclosure, my husband Bill Dileva was brought on to this amazing show. It had bold messages and captivating visuals. Another added touch were the balloons that made appearances throughout the show that held their own significance. The rest I shall not spoil.
The message that RENT left me with is this: Even if we're all on borrowed time, a simple act of love can be transformative. While it also comes with heartbreak, it still reminds us of our humanity. Love ignites friendships we never thought we'd have that become like family. It brings us new lovers that might carry baggage, but will also help us with ours. It closes some doors but opens others where we no longer have to hide in the shadows and can finally be seen for who we really are.
💜You can check out my fun evening highlight reel on IG
💜Capitol Theatre Windsor - Dates still left Oct 5, 6, 11 & 12th
Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s Tony Award-winning 1983 musical, La Cage Aux Folles gets a dazzling facelift from director, Thom Allison for this year’s performance at Stratford Festival’s, Avon Theatre.
Adapted from the novel by Jean Poiret, La Cage Aux Folles tells the story of life partners, Georges (Sean Arbuckle), and Albin/Zaza (Steve Ross) who run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez and you know, enjoy their morning cup of coffee and do laundry, like most couples do.
However, a surprise visit turns their lives get flipped upside down, or rather put temporarily in the closet, when Georges’ son, Jean-Michel (Kevin “Koovy” Mclachlan – for this performance), announces that he’s getting married to the daughter of a conservative politician Edouard Dindon (Juan Chioran). Consequences unfold when playing it “straight” but in the most surprising way.
Highlights:
👉The dance numbers were incredible to watch from Choreographer, Cameron Carver. Shout-out to the entire Les Cagelles dancers especially how many times they did the splits!
👉Chris Vergara as Jacob, Albin’s butler, was an immediate show-stealer. Full of sparkle and sass = plus brilliant physical comedy!
👉All the costume designs by David Boechler were fantastic, especially the carefully curated assortment of Zaza’s (Ross) glittery gowns with help from drag consultant Justin Miller. Oh and what human could be complete without beautiful touches from makeup designer, Dino Dillo.
👉🎶Music... Going in with only knowing one song, the iconic “I Am What I Am” which I fondly recall Respect’s Definitive Mix version, featuring Hanna Jones, from my earlier years, watching the ground-breaking series, Queer as Folk.
This version of the song had a different feel, as the audience was glued to the stage watching Steve Ross’ vulnerable performance and hearing his outstanding vocals. Another reminder of his range of talents stepping onto the Stratford stage, in every role embraced, high-heels or not.
👉A close second favourite was Song on the Sand – a musical joy of lyrics and nostalgic emotions that remind us of the simple pleasures of falling and being in love.
La Cage Aux Folles is full of humour (take note, it gets a little naughty!) yet holds pivotal sentimental moments that will make you wonder why we’re still living in a world that is so divided outside the stage.
I hope we can take a step back and begin to look at things from a different angle.
💜Grab your tickets! Official website: https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/
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