Represent Review: Hurry up and catch Rent!
Seems like RENT at the recently refurbished Alexandra Theatre in Braamies has been extended an extra month – till the end of October – lucky Jozi peeps – make sure NOT to miss out on a fabulous show and if you’re in CT – get booking. John caught the show:
Wow! I felt like a pirate finding buried treasure ! The Alexandra theatre was recently renovated and re-opened and what a gem. The place is beautiful, situated in Braamfontein, and reminded me of the golden days of theatre in Johannesburg.
It has a different feel than the Market and a fabulously big theatre and new bar.
Enough about the venue ! RENT was fabulous ! The cast is young and full of energy. It had some familiar faces like Ilse Klink (Isidingo – who knew she could sing this well??) and Aubrey Poo (Muvhango). The pace is fast and energetic and the vocals are strong and solid.
The story revolves around a group of friends living in a rundown building in New York during the eighties. One of their friends inherits a lot of dough and wants to turn the building into a cyber studio (what ever that is…) and wants to throw them out – they cannot pay their rent (hence the name). The tenants owe rent for the previous year and struggle to eat – the place is cold and damp – everyone is trying to make it in entertainment, tv, music and the like.
The piece had two sections making it quite a long play – almost three hours – but it is well worth it. The songs ranged from deep and touching to beautifully crafted vocals, to outright fun and games. The story is more complicated than the usual political piece or pantomime – but left us sad at times – I even developed a bit of a flu nose at one point – and laughed out loud at other times.
This production is big – the set is beautiful and sports a corner where a five piece band sits producing all the music “live” for the show. What a band ! The sound was brilliant allowing the musician’s talents to shine. Music director Bryan Schimmel impressed with some stunning music from which looked like a young band. The dance sequences were good as well with some filling the complete stage with cast members.
The cast is big – the main characters make up about half and the rest are street people. The whole thing is done in “American” which turned out much better than I expected.
This is quality stuff. Everyone will find something here. I wish we had more professional productions like this.
Go watch it ! You’ll miss out if you don’t.
RENT opened the newly refurbished Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein last month. Since the production’s gala performance it continues to receive critical acclaim from many reviewers who represent a diverse spectrum of mainstream and niched print and electronic media.
“… The show is vibrant and optimistic, epitomised by the “no day but today” refrain. …It’s moving as well as uplifting.” CHRISTINA KENNEDY, SUNDAY TIMES
“It’s young and vibrant, rewrites the rules of what to expect from a musical, or in this case a rock opera, and showcases some truly exciting performances.” DIANE DE BEER, TONIGHT
“What a treat to see a production of this caliber, presented on our very own Braamfontein Broadway.” SABRINA DEAN, CITIZEN
“Standing ovation for Rent” … Don’t miss this chance to see a world class production on your doorstep.” GAVIN HAYWARD, EXIT MAGAZINE
“…our relationship with the characters of RENT can only truly come into being if a cast with just the right amount of energy and emotion, to make their personas really sparkle, performs it. Not only does this particular cast possess these crucial elements in spades, they also complement each other in a manner, which beautifully recreates the touching camaraderie of these characters.” ADAM J LEVIN, THE WRITING STUDIO
“Rent” is a showstopper that will lift your spirits and raise your energy levels because of its sizzlingly slick performances and stunning music.” ROBYN SASSEN, JEWISH REPORT
Of particular note are the repeated comments from critics and audiences alike who are taken aback by the phenomenal talent and outstanding performances by the 22-member all-South African RENT cast, many of whom are playing principal roles for the first time. The new and exciting young performers include DUANE ALEXANDER, SEAN V, TALIA KODESH, SIVAN RAPHAELY, AUBREY POO, ZANE GILLION, THOKOZANI NZIMA and award-winning stage and screen actress, ILSE KLINK.
RENT is a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical, based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme. RENT is a compelling and uplifting story that deals with real issues, friendship, love, relationships, loss, living with HIV/Aids and drug addiction, community spirit and hope.
Now in its final weeks, RENT’s season at the Alexander Theatre runs until 8 September 2007 thereafter moving to Cape Town for a limited season at the Artscape Theatre from 9 November 2007 to 15 December 2007.
Book now on line at http://www.computicket.com/ or call Computicket on 083 915 8000 or visit your nearest Computicket outlet. Performance times: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays @ 20h00; Saturdays @ 16h00 & 20h00 and Sundays @ 14h00.
FREE, SECURE PARKING is available just 300 meters away from the Alexander Theatre entrance. In view of the adult content of this production, parents are advised of a PG 10-age restriction. Regret, no children under three years of age.
RENT is brought to South Africa by INVESTEC, produced by Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management with a combined South African and international creative team. The Executive Producer is Global Capital.
