RENT - April 2022
Based on Puccini’s beloved opera La Bohème, RENT follows the ups and downs of a year in the life of a group of impoverished, artistic friends living in Manhattan’s East Village. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, struggles to find his place in the world; his roommate Roger, an HIV-positive musician, wonders how he will leave his mark before he dies. Mimi and Angel look for true love as they face the harsh reality of life as HIV-positive young people, while the business-like Joanne seeks fidelity from her wild-child performance artist girlfriend Maureen. The group’s dreams, losses, and love stories weave through the musical’s narration to paint a stunningly raw and emotional portrait of the gritty bohemian world of New York City in the late 1980s, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.
This show contains some mild language, references to drugs and HIV/AIDS; and will include smoke effects, strobe lighting and scenes of a sexual nature. Not suitable for audience members under 12 years old. Parental Guidance is advised.
LONDON REGION WINNER OF BEST MUSICAL 2023
Wednesday 27th - Saturday 30th April 2022
Lovegrove Theatre, Redbridge Drama Centre
What NODA Say...
RENT is a complex show that illustrates a point in time and place particularly well. The sung-through style is demanding and the emotional depth required from the actors is very challenging. Despite this level of difficulty, IODS delivered a fantastic production which showed off the talents of the impressive cast and crew.
The set, staging and even smells injected into the audience gave the authenticity of the New York streets in which the play is set. It tackles the bohemia of its setting and the tragedy of HIV/AIDS.
The dozen or so cast portrayed well defined characters but this was essentially an ensemble piece. There were no weak links and everyone performed at a very high standard. The closeness, collaboration and reliance on each other brought a sense of the community RENT portrays. This is a musical with depth and great numbers for a small talented cast who want to be tested.
