The mega-hit musical of the 90’s RENT makes a comeback to the manila stage in celebration of Nine Works Theatrical’s 15th Anniversary.
Director, Robbie Guevara, Producers, Santi and Anna Santamaria along with Musical Director Daniel Bartolome and Choreographer PJ Rebullida assembled an ensemble of actors that showcased their strength vocally. It is crucial for a show this popular to cast actors with lungs of steel and this cast delivered.
No one can deny the vocal shops of Anthony Rosaldo as Roger, Thea Astley as Mimi, Jasmine Fitzgerald as Maureen, Fay Castro as Joanne, Mark Stroem as Benny and the rest of the ensemble, Guji Lorenzana, Jordan Andrews, Chesko Rodriguez, Vyen Villanueva, Abi Sulit, Paul Valdez, Misha Fabian and Kai Benson. This was the cast that I got to see during Press Preview. It was evident in the way they performed that evening how passionate they were in singing the timeless classic hits Seasons of Love, La Vie Boheme, Tango Maureen, One Song Glory, Out Tonight, Light My Candle, Without You to name a few. (How I would have wanted to watch the alternate cast led by Adrian Lindayag as Angel, Ian Pangilinan as Mark, Molly Langley as Mimi, Justin Peña as Maureen, Mica Fajardo as Joanne, if only I had the time to.)
But what stood out to me were these three actors that brought the house down with their bravura performance. Reb Atadero as Mark had the herculean task of carrying the show and did so with his nuanced performance as a docu-filmmaker who battles his own moral dilemma between pursuing creative passions where he could spark change through his work or fall into the trappings of sensationalized news. Reb truly showcased his strength as a seasoned actor in this show.
Garret Bolden as Tom Collins was a revelation. His vocal prowess matched with his stage presence brought chills to everyone who witnessed his rendition of the reprise of “I’ll Cover You”. It was also his chemistry with Lance Reblando as Angel that made this show very special.
I will say her name again, Lance Reblando and proudly declare that a star is born. I could not get enough of her. She was a beacon of light and pure excellence. Her stamina is undoubtedly evident in the crowd-pleasing number “Today 4 U”, “I’ll Cover You”, and every single moment she was on stage. She literally stole the show in my humble opinion. She is truly a force to reckon with.
RENT is now on its final weekend, so what are you waiting for, get your tickets now at https://ticket2me.net/event/21762 for their last five shows. 3:00pm & 8:00pm on Saturday & Sunday, and 8:00pm on Friday, at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati.
There’s no day but today!
Blessings,
