Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chicago Tribune - February 15, 2008
Chris Jones, cjones5@tribune.com
"Reviewing this again?" asked a few surprised readers in the lobby of the Cadillac Palace Theatre on Tuesday night. Actually, it's been a while. And with the original Michael Greif production closing on Broadway in a few weeks, the whole affair has taken on fresh emotional resonance. I don't know if this will be the last time we'll see "Rent" in Chicago (the tour isn't closing), but it's surely the last time I plan on seeing this original staging, at least. So be warned: This review was written through a nostalgic haze.
Oh, how the American musical theater misses the late Jonathan Larson! Oh, what he might have gone on to write! Very few rock composers could combine such innovative structure with such gorgeously silky melodies and still wear the kind of irony-free, anti-rock vulnerability on their sleeve that marries with the Broadway musical tradition. Larson would have long ago moved on from "Seasons of Love," but he'd have gone on to a quirky kind of theatrical greatness.
You need (like me) to love the score to "Rent" to enjoy this production. Many moons ago, this tour was assigned to the non-Equity ranks -- and it is now drawing from the seemingly endless ranks of "American Idol" finalists (or, in the case of Heinz Winckler's Roger, "South African Idol" finalists) in its casting pool. Simply put, the result is that the singing is a whole lot better than the acting.
There are exceptions. Jed Resnick is entirely charming as Mark Cohen and Kristen-Alexzander Griffith brings a rich honor to Angel. On the vocal front, Christine Dwyer nails Maureen and Jennifer Colby Talton is a sweetly breathy Mimi. But the weirdly introspective Winckler seemed reluctant to even face the audience, let alone sell anything to the back of the house.
The original production -- parts of which were always problematic -- is beginning to show more cracks and creaks. Such are the ravages of time. But no chronological gap will ever diminish this show's beating heart or the glories of its score, which unfurl one song after another.
'Rent'
When: Through Sunday
Where: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Price: $22.50-$70 at 312-902-1400 and broadwayinchicago.com
080215
CT080203
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