Theater Review: 'Rent' at Music Theatre of Connecticut

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Patch Contributor Nancy Sasso Janis

Dedicated to the memory of Jim Ruocco, because this show was his absolute favorite

Music Theatre of Connecticut is reminding audiences that it is ‘no day but today’ with a captivating production of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent.” Chris McNiff is the director and choreographer of this powerful show.

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 30 years since the first preview of “Rent” Off Broadway, the day after Larson tragically passed away as a result of undiagnosed Marfan syndrome. The director observes in his program note that Larson’s groundbreaking work directly addressed the AIDS epidemic as it gave representation of queer people on stage, while including the issues of drug addiction, poverty, homelessness and gentrification.

McNiff also reminds us that we need community now more than ever. “This is the central focus of ‘Rent’--that we must find our community and celebrate life, even in the face of great adversity. It’s not about how much time you have, but about how you spend it.”

The members of this Equity cast bring “La Vie Boheme” to glorious life with their heartfelt performances. There is not a weak link in the group of lead performers that are supported by a small by mighty ensemble.

Equity member Jacob Heimer, whose theater credits include “Beautiful” on Broadway, “She Loves Me” with Long Wharf, and “Twelfth Night” with New Haven’s Elm Shakespeare, plays the rocker Roger; performing on guitar onstage adds value to his performance. Joe Tolentino, an Equity member, makes his Regional Theater debut in the role of Mark, the struggling Jewish documentary filmmaker who narrates the show. Tolentino had the honor of being the understudy to both Mark and Roger with the director Adam Pascal of the original Broadway cast.

Equity’s Cedric Leiba Jr., who was a delight in the role of Jacob in MTC’s “La Cage,” embodies the role of the gentle Angel. Leiba was part of the tour of “Rent” and “Miss Saigon.” I loved that he added a wonderful Latinx accent to some of Angel’s lines, as in “Ay, Dios mío” and “América.” Equity member Matt Mancuso (“Moon Over Buffalo,” “Ghost,” and “Jersey Boys” at MTC) returns to this stage to play the former roommate Benny and does a great job of bringing the character to life.

Darrick Penny, an Elon University alum and Equity member, reprises the role of Tom Collins in his MTC debut and brings his marvelously low bass voice to the tear-inducing “I’ll Cover You.” Kudos to Penny on a memorable performance.

The wonderfully talented Equity member Ladonna Burns returns to this stage to play Joanne. The blocking of “Over the Moon” allows the audience to appreciate her characters’ reactions to Maureen’s performance piece, which are priceless. Burns, a New York-based artist was the 2024 Connecticut Critics Circle winner for her starring role of Oda Mae Brown in “Ghost” on this stage and also was the “Season of Love” soloist in the national tour of “ Rent.” The drama queen is played by Equity’s Olivia Fenton, a Hartt School grad who was Eileen in last season’s “Moon Over Buffalo.”

Elon MT alum and Equity member Gabriela Gomez makes her “Rent” debut in the role of Mimi Marquez, breaking hearts as the exotic dancer (“It’s a living”) who is a drug user and HIV positive.

The ensemble is so strong that I am compelled to mention them all. Carlos Pérez, a senior at WCSU where he has appeared in “Sunday in the Park with George,” and “Legally Blonde,” shows off his wonderful singing voice and is the Benny and Tom cover. Equity’s Sadie Seelert returns to the stage for the first time in years and slays her soloist opportunities. Leeanna Rubin (“Ghost” last season at MTC) returns to show off her great comic timing in her various supporting roles. Rubin’s CT credits include “Fiddler” at A.C.T, “The Prom” at Playhouse on Park, and “Something Rotten” in Sharon.

What a pleasure to see Charles Romano make his MTC debut, after recently playing Anthony in “Sweeney Todd” at Legacy Theatre. Some of the roles played wonderfully by Romano include the waiter, “the man,” Gordon, a cop and more.

The set design meets the needs of Larson’s scenes with a scaffold area, a rolling metal staircase and tables that can be arranged as needed. The size of the MTC stage area is a bit tight, so the table for “La Vie Boheme A & B” fits diagonally on the stage and allows all three sides to view the proceedings. The actors use the aisles sparingly and two lit spaces in the audience, although most of the patrons in my (third) row did not realize that they should be looking to their left or right. The space limitations inspired some blocking that I do not remember seeing before, adding a fresh view to more than a few scenes.

There were a few issues with the sound design by Jon Damast on opening night, but the lighting design by Scott Borowka that involves three backlit windows at the back of the performance space that worked well, as well as the use of handheld flashlights. Claudia Stefany provided the “vintage” props that include a brick of a mobile phone and a movie projector.

The costumes designed by Diane Vanderkroef maintain the looks that have become forever associated with the characters in “Rent” while allowing some of the actors to maintain a little more of their dignity. Everything worked, especially the pieces for Maureen and Mimi.

Music Director David Wolfson, who notably holds a PhD in music composition from Rutgers and is music directing his 19th show at MTC, conducts the band seated behind his keyboard under the scaffolding of the set. The band says “I’ll Cover You” to the well-known score, making everything sound fantastic. Wolfson plays the keyboard 1 line, with Joshua Rodis on guitar 1, Clio Janis covering keyboard 2 and guitar 2 (making it sound easy,) Alan Lounsbury on bass and Nate Dobas on drums.

Performances of “Rent” continue at MTC through Oct. 12. This production is worth the trip to Norwalk for “Rent” fans and those who have never experienced the beloved musical. Thank you, Jonathan Larson.