No Spartan should miss this historic and crowd-pleasing event.
Mina Bradley-Belcaid as Mimi in Rent: School Edition. photo by Rebecca Holt
The TJ Performing Arts cast, crew, and instructors showcased their talents Wednesday night with their version of the hit Broadway musical, RENT: School Edition; the phenomenal leads of which were: Andrew Craig (as filmmaker Mark), Colby Schaller (as Roger an ambitious musician), Mina Bradley-Belcaid (as the feisty exotic dancer Mimi), D’Aaron Moore (as Angel), Joseph Powell (as Collins), Megan Lussier (as Maureen), and London Thatch (as a no nonsense lawyer Joanne), and of course a great supporting cast and crew, including Director Michael Palmieri, Music Director Edwina Hebert, and Choreographer Carole Fulkerson.
The leads shone in their roles, with Craig moving the story along in a smooth baritone. The friendship between Craig’s character and Schaller’s character is seen in their relaxed postures – easily transitioning themselves into overlaying harmonies and playing off each other in sarcastic banter. The tone of the play is immediately set-up by the opening number RENT, which is sung with full on attitude and the youthful spirit of rock and roll. When Mimi, played exceptionally well by Bradley-Belcaid, walks in a more sultry mood is set, adding to the serious undertones that run throughout the play. Angel (Moore) stole the show with every change of costume, and whether male or female, Angel’s presence onstage was a definite audience-pleaser.
One of the most memorable performances of the night was Lussier’s rendition of Over the Moon, an entire song sung as an extended metaphor of Maureen’s experience on Avenue B. Another memorable moment was given by Maggie Barbour in one of her many roles as Alexi Darling, when she gave brief but hilarious singing voice mails that were a pleasure to listen to and watch.
After the characters are introduced, the audience is taken on a sensational ride of song and dance – with unconventional subject matter. With every joke there is a message, and the harsh reality of the AIDS epidemic that ravaged the city of New York in the 1980’s. The audience is reminded about love, and friendship, and the importance of living in the moment.
Some material might be unsuitable for children under the age of 13, but RENT: School Edition is definitely something everyone should experience this year. I encourage everyone to go see it on one of the nights to come: March 18th, 19th, and 20th at 7 pm. Tickets are available at the door, or online here.
