Review: 'Rent' Delights at McLean High School

by Chris Sanderson

The auditorium is filled with smoky air, the stage set as an industrial loft. Graffiti covers the walls, and a lone guitarist strums his guitar on his sofa. McLean High School’s recent production of Rent set the tone of the edgy rock musical from the very beginning.

Conceived first as a limited workshop production in 1994, Rent became much more than that, eventually winning the Tony for Best Musical. Rent was composed by Jonathan Larson and was based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera, “La Boheme.” Rent follows the lives of young, New York artists and musicians through their struggle with AIDS. The aspiring filmmaker, Mark, takes the audience through their ups and downs, and the friends and couples grow closer as things become grim.

Leading the production with his impressively strong baritone was Mark Cohen (Alex Stone). Stone’s consistent enunciation and expertise at pacing moved the story along nicely, and anchored the show effectively. As the young drag queen with AIDS, Angel (Max Johnson) delivered his role with flamboyance and expert comedic timing, while adding much-needed heart and honesty to the role. Johnson lit up the stage in every scene and was a standout of the night.

As far as grand entrances go, Maureen Johnson’s hilariously delivered monologue took the cake (Madelyn Paquette). Paquette’s delivery of the comedic, strong-minded lesbian held to be consistent through the duration of the show, as was Mimi Marquez’s alluring love interest to Roger (Camila Alfonzo-Meza). Alfonzo-Meza showed vocal skill particularly in her solo “Out Tonight.”

Though many principles showcased impressive vocals, Carla Calderon’s solo in the crowd-favorite “Seasons of Love” was phenomenal. Her strong performance as a minor character emphasized the show’s incredibly committed ensemble, who executed the choreography with dedication and heart in every number. While many leading actors struggled with energy, most notably in the first act, the ensemble brightened the show with their consistent enthusiasm.

Though actors were strong, the real stars of Rent were the show’s technical aspects, which were consistently commendable. Lighting provided quick and visually stunning stage pictures that fit the mood of every scene and complimented the incredible set. The urban inspired, two-story set was interesting to look at and incredibly versatile. Though some actors’ poor enunciation resulted in lost words, it was hardly a sound issue, which masterfully utilized individual microphones. While choreography was simple and sometimes seemed out of place, all moves were consistently delivered together and with feeling.

The incredible technical elements that enhanced an involved, enthusiastic ensemble coupled with some strong vocal performances was what made Rent a success. McLean High School performed the tragic musical with heart, commitment, and just the right amount of subtlety.

This review is part of the CAPPIES program for high school students.