July 20, 2007
By Millicent Kgowedi
THE newly refurbished Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein came alive this week for the opening night of the American rock musical, Rent.
Welcoming the theatregoers was a faint smell of paint, clean carpets and maroon, velvety seats. The production opened the new theatre with an all-South African cast on Tuesday, 17 July; the theatre had been dark for a decade and Rent was the first production staged at the venue since it underwent an extreme makeover earlier this year.
Based on Puccini's opera La Boheme, Rent is about a year in the lives of a group of struggling artists living in New York City's East Village. They wrestle with relationships, drugs, loss, love, Aids and, of course, paying the rent.
Ilse Klink plays Joanne Jefferson, the lawyer, in Rent
The backing music often drowned out the lyrics in the first part, but the cast made up for it, however, when they returned to the stage after a short interval. Act two was introduced with a smashing, very well sung Season of Love; and the sound between the music and lyrics was balanced.
It wasn't the only memorable song; others were Goodbye Love, Light My Candle and Without You a touching duet between the two leading actors. Talia Kodesh, as Mimi, is an exotic dancer, HIV-positive stripper and a heroin junkie; Shaun V, as Roger Davis, is an HIV-positive musician who is recovering from heroin addiction.
Kodesh was impressive, dazzling the audience with her singing, dancing and acting. Shaun V was another favourite. His rock music voice and his guitar playing skills grabbed attention - Shaun V is set to release his debut solo album early next year.
The production is indeed a combination of young people with talent and boundless energy, and they put on a thrilling show. Choreography played an important role, with a round of applause to Jill Somers, the choreographer. Moves by Mimi and Angel (Zane Gillion) were fabulously entertaining.
Among those who left an impression were Gillion, who plays the character of Angel Schunard, an HIV-positive drag queen; the former Isidingo actress Ilse Klink, who plays Joanne Jefferson, a public interest lawyer; and Aubrey Poo as Tom Collins, an HIV-positive philosophy teacher and computer genius. His rich, strong voice wowed the audience when he sang I'll Cover You with Angel.
Thokozani Mzima, playing Benny Coffin III, and Nobuntu Mpahlaza also stretched some awesome vocal chords. When Mphahlaza hit the high notes, leading the cast, in Season of Love, the audience went wild.
The cast includes the eight-member ensemble Joco van Rensberg, Grant Almirall, Anton Luitingh, Jonathan Swart, Keeno-Lee Hector, Chantal Herman, Lorri Glajchen and Genna Galloway. They have collectively starred in many productions, including Stepping Out, Cats, Charlotte's Web and Music In You.
Talia Kodesh is exotic dancer Mimi, while Shaun V is musician Roger Davis, in the Alexander Theatre's production of Rent
Anthony Rapp, who played Mark Cohen in the American version of Rent, directed the South African play. "Having the brilliant Broadway talent of Anthony Rapp to direct Rent, is an extraordinary coup for both our production and South Africa," said Hazel Feldman, the producer.
Entertainment impresario Feldman has brought some 100 international superstars to the country, including Elton John, Rod Stewart, Shirley Bassey, Pavarotti, Black Eyed Peas, George Benson, Seal and John Legend.
Rent debuted in New York City in 1996 at the New York Theatre Workshop before moving to Broadway. It has been staged in Germany, Australia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the Philippines.
Rent will run at the Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein until October. Performances are on Tuesdays to Fridays at 8pm, on Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm, and on Sundays at 2pm and 6pm.
Ticket prices range from R110 to R310; there are discounts for group bookings - call Samatha or Allison on 011 340 8128 for more information. Tickets can be booked at Computicket outlets or on 083 915 8000.
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