Theater Review: 'Rent' by Spotlight Stage Company

I was invited to attend the final dress rehearsal of Spotlight Stage Company’s production of “Rent,” the 15th production of this company. “Rent” is the work of the late Jonathan Larson, who wrote the book, music and lyrics.

The production was directed and choreographed by Shayna Amato, who recently played Logainne in “Spelling Bee.” Fiona Bryson served as the music director and helped the singers perform with the recorded musical tracks.

“No day but today…”

Artistic Director Christopher Zullo writes that he has enjoyed watching this show grow, as well as listening to the cast members be so kind and supportive of one another. “Hearing and watching you interact has been so wonderful to witness,” he adds.

Henry Tobelman’s performance as Roger is exciting to watch. He has the look of the guitar-playing rocker and his singing voice is perfect for all of the songs, especially “One Song Glory,” his first ever vocal solo in his middle school select choir’s “Rent” Medley. Tobelman has yearned to play the role ever since. He has been performing musical theater for nearly 20 years and serves as a board member for the Haddam-based Blue Fire Stage Company which formed in 2020.

Daniel Sbriglio of West Haven takes on the leading role of Roger and does well. His most recent credits include Whizzer in “Falsettos” with Fuse Theatre and Sonny Malone in “Xanadu” at Center Stage Theatre.

Kyle Humphrey joins Spotlight Stage Company this year to portray Collins in his first return to the stage in 15 years. He brings the requisite charm to the role and sings well. As a young adult, Humphry participated in musical theater, winning a local Halo Award for his performance in Man of La Mancha and he currently works as a nurse practitioner at UConn Health Center.

Smitty Bang, a SAG eligible actor and vocalist, stands out in the role of Benny. I liked how the director highlighted how his character observes (and reacts to) “Over the Moon,” the performance art of Maureen. A native of Connecticut, he now resides in Milford. Ryan Romero makes the most of the role of Angel in his Spotlight Stage debut in Rent.

Aleeki Shortridge has the big stage presence to play Joanne. Shortridge notes that her fellow castmates have taught her much during this experience. As Mimi, Tiffany Vinters shows off her strong singing voice. Her most recent role was Esmeralda in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with the Opera House Players and she’s also appeared in several roles at Connecticut Theater Company. Em Kramm gives a very good portrayal of the role of performance artist Maureen. Kramm’s past credits include Disney Parks Live Entertainment (Dancer), Apple TV’s “Dickinson,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”

Ensemble member Kate Mundy is adorable in the role of television executive Alexi. Shannon-Courtney Denihan expertly steps up to play Mark’s mom, as well as several other singing roles. Ensemble member Jeanie Tuzzio covers Roger’s mom, Sonya Alexander plays Joanne’s mom and Michael Russo plays her dad. JaiLynn Woods covers the role of Mimi’s concerned mom.

In the tight ensemble are Jeannine Corbin, Rosa DeJoy, Tracy Durand, Ezra Homonoft, Melissa Jensen, Elle McPhail. I liked how two ensemble dancers performed behind Angel for “Today for You.” I also thought that their work in “Support Group” was nicely staged. “La Vie Boheme” involved two tables and standing on chairs instead of said tables.

Costumes designed by Amato and Zullo add so much to the look of the show, as do the hanging Christmas lights that decorate the stage. There were a few sound glitches at the rehearsal which I am sure have been corrected for the performances.

Sandy Macia is executive director of this group and Vincent McCoy serves as production manager. The production of “Rent” is sponsored by Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union. They have generously provided financial support for the entire season by being the headlining sponsor.

“Rent” is presented with one intermission and runs one weekend only at High Lane Club in North Haven. All three performances are sold out.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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