'Rent' captivates in IU Auditorium season opener

Sitting and listening to the original cast recording of "Rent," I'm reminded of the reason why it never seems to get old. With a cast comprised entirely of young, passionate individuals, the whole play shines with an energy and power that keeps it fresh no matter how many times it plays. \nThis was certainly the case this weekend, when the national tour of "Rent" opened the new season at the IU Auditorium. Receiving a well-deserved standing ovation, the production was appreciated by all present, young and old.\nThe cast was vibrant and talented, from the main characters to the ensemble. A notable moment was the solo portion during "Seasons of Love," which had the audience clapping along, as well as forcing bittersweet tears from more than a few eyes. Although the character of Mark Cohen (Dominic Bogart) was played in a rather timid and disappointing manner, which all but ruined a few important solos, on the whole, the show was impressive and entertaining. \nKrystal Washington made a fresh and lovely Mimi Marquez, giving the character both an experienced maturity and a naive sort of charm. Her talent was especially impressive during her rendition of "Out Tonight," a song whose choreography was bold enough to elicit catcalls (and some prudish blushing) from the audience, and also in her scenes with the equally talented Kevin Spencer (as Roger). The two shared a chemistry onstage that was passionate and tender, with Spencer (although his look could be compared to an out-of-work Backstreet Boy) playing to the crowd as an intense and believable artist striving for glory.\nAny "Rent" fanatics who missed the show (and my condolences go out to them, for only death can keep a "Rent" fan from a show!) will be pleased to know that Angel, one of the most challenging characters of the show, was played with high-heeled grace and gusto by Justin Rodriguez. Tom Collins (Bruce Wilson Jr.) started out a little weak, even for a computer nerd, but proved himself a smooth and soulful singer more than equal to his on-stage partner before the first act was over. \nAnd who can forget Joanne and Maureen? Of all of the casts I've known, this weekend's Joanne was by far the best I've seen (and heard!). Bridget Anne Mohammed had attitude and style to spare in a performance that can only be described as vibrant. She more than made up for a few moments when her on-stage partner Maureen (Sara Schatz) fell flat. Ms. Schatz could be a little too edgy in her portrayal, even for a protester. Still, Maureen was a tough and extremely funny addition, even after the hype that naturally builds for her during Act 1, when she is hardly seen. The two were not a perfect match in dialogue and interaction, but they worked out any creative differences they might have had by the time they had to sing "Take Me or Leave Me" in Act 2.\nAlthough many people are reluctant to comment on the villain, it must be said: Matthew S. Morgan was slick yet human as everyone's favorite sell-out, Benjamin Coffin III. From his gestures to his voice, Morgan created a more three-dimensional character than some other actors have. It was difficult to hate him even before his heart grew three sizes (a la the Grinch on Christmas day), just because his performance was so warm and so often humorous.\nOverall, the show was a spectacular success, and an effective union of a rock concert and the traditional Broadway musical. For those new to the experience, it was lively and refreshing, and even those who arrived with the script and soundtrack memorized were not disappointed. The touring group proved beyond a doubt that even several years after its Broadway debut, Rent still has the power to entrance and entertain.