Venice Theatre

“Rent” shows depth of abilities at Venice Theatre

March 24, 2010
by Kim Cool, Venice Gondolier-Sun

"Rent" is a double-good gift from Venice Theatre.

Not only is the Tony Award-winning musical/rock opera based on "La Boheme," the Puccini opera, entertaining, it is filled with talented singers and dancers who, in many cases, sharpened their skills at the theater, in classes and on stage.

Jonathan Hall as Angel Dumott Schunard, a stunning drag queen, is the prime example. Hall, now 23, grew up at the theater, gaining experience and honing his craft with each new performance. Directed by Brad Wages, Hall took a major role and pushed it over the top, turning in a sensational performance March 14.

Venice Theatre sound designer Dorian Boyd was equally stellar as Mark Cohen, the lead character who runs around with a camera at all times to record the life and times of this Bohemian community on New York's Lower East side in the 1980s. Drugs, sex, rock n' roll and the onset of AIDS permeate this commune-like organization of young artists trying to find their disparate ways in the world.

Lauren Kelly, another VT regular, adds another role to her repertoire as JoAnne Jefferson and Mark Mercado caps a long VT career with his performance as Benjamin Coffin III.

Venice newcomer Geena M. Ravella is stunning as Mimi Marquez who is torn between her love for Roger Davis (Evan Glantz) and life on the street. Booker grad Glantz wowed Venice audiences as Curly in the theater's summer stock production of "Oklahoma" in 2008.

Rebecca Phippard pushed the role of Maureen into the stratosphere with Wages direction and her own abundance of talent, plus an ingratiating smile that doesn't stop.

This totally strong cast also includes Charles McKenzie (Tom Collins), Mark Mercado (Benjamin Coffin III) and, in multiple roles: Kyle Luckett, Nelia Altamirano, Anthony C. Dolciotto, Kim Hough, Dana Inouye and Tommy St. Amand.