This exuberant and impassioned show takes us on a journey through a year in the lives of struggling young artists and musicians in New York’s East Village during the mid-1990s.

Rent revolves around a diverse group of characters facing their individual challenges while united by their dreams, loves, and conflicts. Roger, who has overcome his drug addiction, struggles to finish writing that one great song. Mimi, a nightclub dancer, finds herself in an on/off relationship with Roger. Tom discovers his soulmate in the radiant drag queen, Angel. Maureen expresses her chronic infidelity through performance art, while her partner Joanne questions the worth of their relationship. Benny, once part of the group, has compromised his ideals for financial gain and moved away. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, documents their lives on camera while feeling like an outsider himself. Throughout the story, the characters navigate their paths amidst the physical and emotional complexities of HIV/AIDS.

The performances in this production were commendable, with a few standouts worth mentioning. Jack Baldwin as Mark Cohen delivered a captivating portrayal, bringing depth and authenticity to the character. David Honeywell as Roger Davis showcased both vulnerability and strength, while James Young as Tom Collins infused his role with heartfelt emotion. Tom Boncey’s portrayal of Angel Dumott Schunard was filled with charm and warmth, and Jade Williams gave a dynamic performance as Maureen Johnson.

The acting was overall impressive, and the cast brought the characters to life with conviction. However, I found some of the choreography to be a bit out of sync with the show’s theme at times, and there were moments where the singing fell flat. Despite these minor hiccups, the quality of the production remained solid, and the performers’ dedication was evident.

The production values of Rent were praiseworthy. The set design was awe-inspiring, although it occasionally felt overwhelming and restricted the movement of the dancers. The costumes beautifully captured the essence of the era and complemented the show’s theme perfectly. The lighting design was well executed, with some notable effects that added an extra layer of visual impact. One minor distraction was the mimed guitar playing, which could have been better coordinated between the actor and the guitarist or addressed during rehearsals.

Overall, Rent by BATS was a well-crafted production with excellent casting choices. The dedication and effort put into this show were evident in every aspect. It successfully captured the essence of friendship, love, survival, and the importance of living for today. Despite a few minor flaws, this performance was a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of the original work. I commend the entire cast and crew for their commitment in bringing this powerful and uplifting story to life on stage.

Jaz Wilson
It's All An Act