The Marquis Players will tackle one of the most divisive shows among theater fans — “Rent” — this weekend. The show follows a group of friends in New York City during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s as they struggle to make a living and cope with the disease. True to its opera roots, actors have very little spoken dialogue in “Rent” and sing instead, making the show even more challenging for both the actors and the pit.
“Rent” is certainly worth seeing this weekend.
The music was beautiful. The costumes are almost frighteningly similar to the “platonic ideals” of the characters Mark (Johnny Raheb ‘27) and Roger (Nathan Hansford ‘25) in my head, from Mark’s tattered scarf to Roger’s leather jacket.
The light design frequently employs the spotlight, fitting for a show about a group of artistic performers. The lights on the back wall are used to reflect characters’ moods, switching colors to represent sides of an argument, though the perfectly-cast performers demonstrate these emotional complexities all on their own.
Raheb fully embraced the persona of Mark, who is almost fanatical in his devotion to his camera and to telling his friends’ stories. Raheb’s “Halloween” and his energy during “La Vie Boheme” were excellent.
Mark’s friends include Collins, played by Bryan Kibet ‘27, who reaches the emotional peak of his character in “I’ll Cover You Reprise” wonderfully. The character of Collins’ boyfriend, Angel (Jack Finegold ‘28), is the cornerstone of the show.
Marisa Carroll ‘25 had the necessary presence and excess of talent for the magnetic Maureen, Mark’s ex. She threw herself fully into her performance of “Over the Moon.”
Amanda Belej ‘27 portrays Maureen’s girlfriend, Joanne, amazingly and gives a great “Take Me or Leave Me.”
The real highlight of the whole show was Mimi (Kelsie Bouyer ‘26) in her emotional performance of “Without You.” The performance of Hansford as Roger, Mark’s roommate and Mimi’s boyfriend, in “Without You” was also heartbreaking, as was his scene in “Finale A.”
Chris Taverner ‘25 as Benny, Mark and Roger’s ex-roommate, is simultaneously unlikable (considering his betrayal) and almost sympathetic in some of the moments in which he speaks to his old friends.
I would have liked to see a little more from the set, which is minimal, and the large ensemble sometimes detracts from dances that could be more precise.
“Rent” is also a difficult choice for a college musical, considering it centers on a group of characters struggling with homelessness in New York City. I have very complicated feelings about a school with a historically disproportionate amount of students from the top 20% putting on a show like this, but I understand the desire for a meaningful message and to perform a show so dear to the heart of so many theater fans.
I only ask you to keep this in mind as you watch “Rent” this weekend, which I recommend, since I will certainly be seeing it again.
