DPAC's Production of the 20th Anniversary Tour of "Rent" Proves that Love Endures All

(L to R) Cody Jenkins, Juan Luis Espinal, Coleman Cummings.
RENT 20th Anniversary Tour, Credit Amy Boyle 2019.

Jonathan Larson’s Rent, which focuses on the lives of several twenty-somethings living the bohemian life in New York City in 1989, has long been a theatrical staple. And, with its colorful, true-to-life characters and universal themes, it’s easy to see why. The 20th Anniversary Tour of the musical, onstage now at Durham Performing Arts Center under the direction of Evan Ensign based on original direction by Michael Greif, is still incredibly touching and perhaps even more charming due to the throwback, vintage feel it now possesses.

The repurposed, rundown industrial loft that Mark (Cody Jenkins) and Roger (Coleman Cummings) share is beautifully realized on the DPAC stage. Created to be bold and eye-catching, the loft’s design serves as a constant reminder that this show is about the place we call home and about the looming price we all must pay for our time on this earth.

Of course, that’s not to say that this musical is all doom and gloom. No, part of the charm of Rent is that, alongside its darker themes, there’s tons of humor and real, really imperfect characters to fall in love with, and the first act introduces viewers to them all.

There’s Roger, who, as is the case with many of the characters in this musical, has AIDS. He’s seeking to write one great song that will outlive him and carry on his legacy. Coleman’s sensitive portrayal of this beloved character is on-point, and he nails Roger’s haunting “One Song Glory” with power and intensity. This musical number is made even more profound and touching by the choice to “light” it with a single shadow, looming largely behind Roger as he sings

(L to R) Aiyana Smash, Coleman Cummings
RENT 20th Anniversary Tour, Credit Amy Boyle 2019.

There’s also sweet, sassy Mimi, enthusiastically portrayed by Aiyana Smash. Smash is wonderfully sultry, especially when she belts out “Out Tonight,” a wild ride of a musical number that features gyrating, frenzied, and absolutely perfect choreography from Marlies Yearby. And, as Mimi is busy meeting and, eventually, falling for Roger, another friend, Collins (Shafiq Hicks), is busy meeting and falling for Angel (Joshua Tavares).

Hicks proves to be an absolutely perfect Collins. He’s kind, loving, and strong in all the right places, and when he belts out “I’ll Cover You” in the second act, his deep voice and the passion behind it create a chilling, emotional, and ultimately unforgettable moment, one of the true highlights of this production. Of course, Tom can’t shine quite as bright without his perfect counterbalance, Angel, and Tavares is up for the job, smiling and sashaying to create an Angel that’s every bit as fabulous as the audience needs him to be.

(L to R) Shafiq Hicks, Joshua Tavares
RENT 20th Anniversary Tour, Credit Amy Boyle 2019.

Many other characters make up this story as well. There’s old-friend Benjamin Coffin III (Juan Luis Espinal), who is trying to take back Mark and Roger’s loft; Mark’s ex-girlfriend Maureen, delightfully portrayed by Kelsee Sweigard, and her new girlfriend Joanne (Samantha Mbolekwa); and a whole host of other people who move in and out as viewers immerse themselves in a “year in a life” of these flawed but unforgettable people.

As the second act opens, longtime Rentheads know that sadder moments are ahead. But, that doesn’t stop “Seasons of Love” from being just as effective as ever. At this production, soloist Rayla Garske added a special flair and intensity to the familiar number, making it feel new and hard-hitting once again. And, as the story winds to its difficult but hopeful conclusion, everything comes together, and everyone remembers (or realizes for the first time) why they love this show: it’s just got so much love and heart behind it, and, as the script tells us all so clearly, that’s ultimately what endures.