RENT The Musical at the Liverpool Empire Review
RENT The Musical
Liverpool Empire
28 February to 4 March 2017
Reviewed by Jan Mellor
I have desperately been waiting to see RENT at the theatre since I saw it performed in 2016 by our local amateur theatre company (Encore) and being completely bowled over with it, so on entering the Liverpool Empire, I was filled with great excitement and anticipation.
The set (a sublime scaffolding creation) remained in place throughout the show yet transformed in each act to interior and exterior places through inspiring choreography and adaptation. The acting, singing, dancing and storyline started and remained throughout – to be superb.
The RENT story tells how two flatmates (Mark and Roger) living in the 1990’s in the heart of downtown New York, struggle to survive with no money to eat, keep warm or pay their landlord the rent that they owe. Their plight is exasperated by the fact that it is Christmas Eve and they are destitute. They have had troubled times, Mark’s girlfriend, Joanne, left him for a woman, Maureen, and Roger’s girlfriend died through AIDS. Roger is an inspiring musician who searches to find that ‘one ‘song and Mark is an enthusiastic filmmaker but their luck hasn’t enabled them to pursue their goals. Their friend Tom Collins is mugged outside their flat and is cared for/saved) by a unique individual called Angel. Mark decides to film his life – thus giving the audience a unique insight into the lives of a gang of drug-addicted, desperate, lonely and frustrated young people who are trying to make sense of their lives. Angel with his benevolent and caring ways becomes the glue that fixes them together.
There are many tender moments – Roger meeting Mimi and almost instantly falling in love, Tom and Angel become a couple, Mimi at death’s door and as Aids takes another life. The story spans over 12 months – depicted by the hauntingly beautiful song “Seasons of Love” and concludes at the following Christmas Eve. The story uncovers the heart-wrenching conditions and experiences that the young people endure whilst living their impoverished and desolate lives and being ignored, patronised and isolated by their ‘settled’ parents. The story is even more poignant in that the director Jonathan Larson died tragically at the age of 35 after seeing the final dress rehearsal of his creation but having never seen his masterpiece performed on stage.
The show is an authentic depiction of the daily struggles that most young people face in large cities across the world. It sensitively explores the world of sexuality, ambition, betrayal, fear and immortality and is told in a unique style of soulful lyrics/songs and evocative, impeccable and amazing dance routines (the tango performed by Mark & Joanne was absolutely mesmerising!). Each song is an insight into the battle people face but some “Light my candle”, “Santé fe”,” I’ll cover you” & “Goodbye love” will haunt you long after you leave the theatre. I left with tears streaming down my face. You must see this show to witness this two and a half hours of a sheer masterpiece!
A superb, astounding show! Wonderful!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £14.25 to £46.75 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
RENT The Musical is at the Liverpool Empire until 4 March 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
