Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Mon 3 Apr
The set was visible to the audience as we arrived and got into our seats for the opening night of the 20th anniversary production of Rent, giving us something to talk about. The unusual, scaffolding-like setup seemed limiting at first glance, but throughout the show, the clever choreography made the best of the space, involving it and using it as a prop. The opening number, Rent, kicked off the show with high-energy, proving that this is a rock musical.
As we got introduced to each member of the cast, it was obvious that these actors were perfect for their roles. This was especially clear as we got introduced to Angel, played by Layton Williams. During Today 4 U, Williams showcased his talent and got the whole audience cheering; it was hard to take your eyes off him.
Once again Angel helped steal the show with I’ll Cover You, the duet with Ryan O’Gorman’s character, Tom Collins. O’Gorman’s deep, strong voice complimented Williams’ and the audience were evidently in love with the couple.
Another cast member that stood out was Lucie Jones, who played the lovable diva, Maureen. During her protest song, Over the Moon, not only was her voice utterly (or should I say, udderly… Get it? Udders? On a cow?) mesmerising, but her engagement with the audience made us feel as though we were at the protest, and she even got us all moo-ing with her…
Lucie Jones proved herself as an incredible singer again in Act 2, during Take Me or Leave Me, the showdown between Maureen and Joanne, who was played by Jenny O’Leary. Both Jones and O’Leary have extremely strong voices, but the song didn’t end up as an “I can sing louder than you” battle; they used their powerful voices to help them portray their anger.
Act 1 ended on a high with one of my favourite numbers, the fast-paced La Vie Boheme, and the second act opened with the famous Seasons of Love. The way that Seasons of Love was performed was so stunning and intimate; there was no dancing, no elaborate costumes, the lighting was plain and the cast just sang the song, a huge contrast to La Vie Boheme. Their voices and harmonies were so perfect and they sang with such emotion; it was absolutely breath-taking.
A piece of advice: if you get emotional easily, then avoid Act 2 of Rent… As a fan of the musical already, I was prepared for the show and knew what was going to happen, but listening to the obvious sobs and sniffles around the room (including mine), it doesn’t matter whether you know the story or not – you will definitely cry.
After the finale, the whole audience was on their feet, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the theatre. The standing ovation was deserved as the cast, the musicians, the choreographer, the director and everyone else involved did a phenomenal job and it was the perfect way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this stunning musical.
Rent will be at Wales Millennium Centre until Sat 8 April. Info: www.wmc.org.uk
words CONNIE MATTHEWS