I Know CoMo » Blog Archive » Community Theater Tackles “Rent”

Posted on 13 February, 2010 | 1 Comment

By Beth Hoag
Upon entering the Columbia Entertainment Company, you almost think you could have been transported to the original Rent stage. Missing a few of the platforms due to size of the acting space, the set looked very similar to the original performance. This was the case for most of the evening. Many of the performers took on their characters wholeheartedly leaving them to be very believable.

The action starts with Roommates Roger, played by Miles Robert Lutterbie, and Mark, played by Trent Rash. They both look similar to others playing the parts before them. Lutterbie is dressed in his leather jacket and ‘90’s rock band shirts and Rash is wearing a striped scarf and black-rimmed glasses. Both did exceptionally well vocally oftentimes singing the songs just as well as the cast recording you could buy.
For those not as familiar with the cast of rent, Angel, the loveable drag queen is a hard part to cast. You have to find someone who is comfortable with not only being in drag for most of the show, but also someone who is a talented singer and someone who is believable as a woman. CEC found just that in Colin Daly. Daly was perfect for the role of Angel, from his costumes ranging from his bright red Santa outfit to blue sparkly dress, to his excellent singing and dancing abilities.
Corey Dunne tackled the role of Maureen in the same way. From the first time she walked on to the stage, he voice consumed the stage. The role of Maureen demands a woman who is not afraid to think or sing outside of the box and Dunne’s voice sang strong above all of those on stage.
It was Adam McCall as Collins who stood out among all his peers. His rendition of “I’ll Cover You (Reprise)” almost brought me to tears. His voice and emotions were powerful to say the least. He brought a depth to the character of Collins, which seemed to make your eyes follow him each time her was on stage.
However, this was not the case for Liz Ajuzie as Mimi. While she seemed to be fine at the beginning of show, it was not until the second act in which she was able to ruin, “Without You.” Ajuzie sang the whole song almost off key and completely off the beat of the song. The whole song would have been ruined if Lutterbie had not come in to help her at the end of it.
Also less impressive was Christopher Murrell as Bennie. While Murrell looked the part, sporting a long ponytail similar to one you would expect from an early ‘90’s yuppie, his voice didn’t fit in. He was hard to hear and much less powerful voice than domineering Bennie demands.
The supporting cast did just that; they supported the main players effortlessly. They helped to add characters to those who represented various homeless people, junkies or even parents.
Rent is a difficult show for those in a community theater to tackle and Columbia Entertainment Company performed almost flawlessly. There was an immense amount of vocal ability on the stage during most of the songs making the whole experience rather enjoyable.

Rent runs at Columbia Entertainment Company, on 1800 Nelwood Drive, through February 14.

One Response to “Community Theater Tackles “Rent””