I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE FOR THE NUMEROUS SPELLING AND GRAMMAR ERRORS. I CAN'T FEEL MY FINGERS AND THIS COMPUTER'S KEYBOARD HATES ME.


I could die now and consdier my life somewhat fulfilled. I can hear all of you asking "Why?" and the answer can be dutifully summed up in one word, my friend "RENT".

Yes indeed, after years of waiting (ever since grade 11 trip to NY and missed out on seeing it) I finally got to see RENT on stage.

And it was fan-fuckin'-tastic. Wonderful. Loud. Entertaining. Sexy. Fun. ... my overwhelmed brain can no longer think of adjectives, I tell you. I had huge hopes going into it and I am relieved to say that it did not disappoint.

First off- the set. Amazing! I was curious as to how they would show the locations, levels (ex- when Collins calls Mark and Roger for they key- how they look over the side of the building, Angels' funeral, the streets, the apartment, Life Support meeting, the protest, etc). It was a stationary set- nothing ever changed except some props and small pieces were flown in or wheeled on by the ensemble. The cyc area was a backdrop type thing that went all the way into the fly space that had an inlaid balcony, fire escape stairs, and a door at the stage level. Stage Right was a platformup on 4 legs under which was the band, Center Stage had long tables or chairs or nothing, as the scene required, and Stage Left was some weird metal scuplture that people climbed on and that lit up. DownStage right and left were tall vertical structures holding speakers and metal.

Everyone cheered when Mark and Roger came on- while the house lights were still up- and they looked pretty good. Mark had the sweater and scarf that is his trademark. Roger was really tall and skinny, originally wearing tight flared plaid pants and an old green sweater. He kinda reminded me of Rod Stewart in the face and hair.

And now, because I am a geek, reviews of the show:

Voice Mail/Tune Up #1- Excellently staged, loved Mark's mom, great indication of the strength of the ensemble. Benny- lot younger than I had pictured him and came in wearing wrap around shades and a neon blue and green winter coat. Fun times, says I

Rent- some diction problems, not as high powered as I would hve liked it, but great ending. Mark and Roger not really strong vocally in this number but they got better

You Okay Honey?- Angel = awesome. So cute with his dreads, fun drummer. Collins had dreads too, big guy, nice low voice but it was hard to hear him sometimes. I would have raised his mic level

One Song Glory- AH! One of my favorites and it was pretty good- starting to warm up to Roger. The line "and then no need to endure anymore" was excellent. Mom said she wanted Roger to have more angst, I agree.

Light My Candle- one of my least favorite songs but very well performed. Mimi had a very odd voice- kept changing ranges and in her lower key we couldn't hear as well. The interaction between Roger and Mimi was a lot of fun.

Voice Mail #2- the woman who plays Mrs. Jefferson also does the singing in Seasons of Love and I'll Cover You. Amazing.

Today 4 U- The people around me didn't seem to realize that this flamboyent person was actually a man, my dad included, and was the person that had rescued Collins. Shock to them, I say. Heavy dance number so not extremely strong vocally but was worth it to see how Angel dressed- those boots!

You'll See- Benny = great singer, couldn't hear Collins and Angel's line- "I like Boys", "Boys like me"

Tango: Maureen- Joanne had really long dreads, amazing voice. Mark= hilarious in this number. Chris told me he wants to learn how to tango.

Life Support- harmony and ensemble rocked my world on this number.

Out Tonight- Mimi had a great body and looked and danced great but could barely understand a word she said.

Another Day- Oh Roger, I love you.

Will I?- ALways cry during this number. Paul, Gordon and Roger were awesome. "Because reason says I should have dies three years ago" = best line ever

On the Street- lots of fun but the problem I found with the songs that had people singing different parts and lines I couldn't hear any of them and missed some of the lines.

Santa Fe- Collins = awesome.

I'll COver You- great number, Angel has an amazing voice.

We're Okay- Joanne also has a great voice

Christmas Bells- the ensemble is amazing, truly.

Over the Moon- the first time we ever see Maureen. Skinny girl with blond afro who likes to wear tight pants, leather and otherwise. Really funny in this number- everyone in the audience mooed.

La Vie Boheme A/ I should tell you/Vie Boheme B- so much fun! Dancing and singing were fun- the facial expressions were awesome. The guy who played the waiter in this scene also plays Gordon and he completely changed his body language for this.

I don't like ISTU, but it was well done.

VB B- couldn't hear the lyrics 1/2 time. Frustrating. TURN UP THE MICS!

intermission- GETTING BORED YET?

Seasons of Love- me crying. 'Nuff said

Happy New Year- Alexi = funniest woman ever. Angel as Pussy Galore had me laughing SOOO hard. Love, much love

Take Me Or Leave Me- Joanne and Maureen were great- ral number for them to stretch vocally. Maureen wore very tight leather. Interesting...

Without You- Mimi, not so good on this one. So sad with Angel and Collins in the hospital while this is being sung.

Voice Mail #4- Alexi, why are you so funny?

Contact- I always wondered how they staged this. Dacners on Stage Left making all kinds of sex with the principle cast center stage sitting on desks under this large piece of white fabric and moving around. Angel then stood up on the desks in the back to sing parts of "Today 4 U". *insert crying*

I'll Cover You (reprise)- *still crying* Collins = amazing but the rest of the cast began to drown him out by the end with their background singing of Seasons of Love. Lead Male and Female vocalists in the ensemble were exceptionl!

Halloween- Mark, you pathetic man.

Goodbye Love- Roger really kicked ass in this one. Had shivers.

What You Own- Loved hoe they staged this- Mark and Roger circling each other, walking by each other, but never actually looking at each other. They were both excellent singing this.

Voice Mail #5- by the time you added all the parents in, you couldn't hear what the last ones were saying.

Your Eyes- Not hating this song so much. Is it just me, or does Roger have great songs in this show?

Finale- they showed the video! I wondered if they would- Mark took his camera and played the movie over audience members and on the back wall. When Angel ran back onstage just before the end of the song, people were already on their feet with a standing ovation. The audience just kept clapping and they must have bowed 20 times, at least.

In awe of my geekdom? So am I....

And I have named my denki jisho Ringo Starr because I had a poem mentioning him stuck in my head ("we 4 lads from Liverpool are", or something...)

That is all .

(just realized it took 45 minds to write that review....)