“I've seen Rent 14 times, and I just want to tell you that you all did an amazing job!” one Renthead enthusiastically commended the cast at the after-show Q&A session at Bristol Riverside Theatre on Wednesday, May 23, 2012.  Her thoughts summed up the buzzing energy that remained with theatergoers for hours after seeing the talented cast perform Jonathan Larson's acclaimed rock musical. When one youthful audience member asked the cast for advice to aspiring actors, Jamila Sabares-Klemm, who had powerfully portrayed the eccentric character of Maureen in the show, gently advised to remember that great theater opportunities also exist outside of Broadway.  After seeing this talented cast perform Rent in Bristol, I couldn't agree more.

Julian Alvarez (Angel), Mark Willis Borum (Roger), Brit West (Mimi), Carl Nathaniel Smith (Ensemble). Photo credit: BRT Staff.

Based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La Boheme, Rent tells the story of one year in the life of a group of Alphabet City bohemians struggling in modern New York.  Through passion; love; and friendship, the characters face various hardships- disease, drug-addiction, poverty, and heartbreak- all while remaining committed to living with a “no day but today” spirit. That spirit is what has connected with audiences all over the world since Rent's acclaimed 1996 debut.

With a fanatical fan-base like Rent, there is an added pressure for actors to deliver, to live up to those fan's expectations.  It is rare that a cast is able to meet those expectations, let alone to exceed them like the cast at BRT achieved under the direction of Jose Zayas. Mark (James LaRosa) & Roger (Mark Willis Borum) searched through their souls in perfect harmony. Mimi (portrayed by Brit West) brought the audience to tears with a soulful rendition of “Goodbye Love” while  Angel (Julian Alvarez) & Collins (Tyrone Roberson) convinced everyone of their undying devotion to each other. In one of the stand-out scenes of the night, Mark & Joanne (Tracie Franklin) nailed the tense yet playful Tango Maureen.

Front row (kneeling): Jamila Sabares-Klemm (Maureen) and Carl Nathaniel Smith (Ensemble). Second row: Tyrone Roberson (Collins), James LaRosa (Mark), Tracie Franklin (Joanne), Brendan Norton (Ensemble). Back row (on table): Nadine Zahr (Ensemble), Meera Mohan (Ensemble), Julian Alvarez (Angel), Tara Tagliaferro (Ensemble), Michael Hogan (Ensemble). Photo credit: BRT Staff.

With performances running through June 3rd, time is running out to catch this fantastic show. Bristol Riverside Theatre is located at 120 Radcliffe Street on the waterfront in Bristol, PA.

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