Post by Talissa on Feb 7, 2004 10:00:07 GMT 11
Just a short review while I have the time.
This performance was put on very well. The set itself consists of boxes, platforms and stairs, a place readily adaptable to the many scenes needed, with a three piece backdrop of a large broken clock, stuck on 3 o'clock.
The actor whose performance particularly shone as near to flawless was Darren Natale, as Michael, as well as a multitude of smaller characters, each of which was executed perfectly, even when he took up Rosa's cigarette towards the end of the piece. Vocally, he was very good, and his acting was utterly believable.
The other performer who particularly struck me was Mark Dickinson, in the lead role of Jon. He had an intensity in his acting and singing that reminded me markedly of Michael Cormick, and though the demands of the show kept him nearly in falsetto for a large portion of the singing (although a falsetto which he managed very well, even if not quite managing with a couple of notes), when he was able to drop back down into his natural range, he displayed a rich, full baritone sound. In fact, as I was watching, I couldn't help but think that he would have made a wonderful Beast in BatB. (And in fact, when I got home and checked that program, that is exactly what he was; understudy Beast to Michael Cormick) So perhaps he was slightly miscast vocally, but that was truly forgiveable, especially when tears are pouring down your face during his song reflecting on the illness of his best friend.
The least outstanding of the three was Irene Dios, who played Susan. The first thing I'll say is that, to be perfectly honest, she doesn't look like a dancer. And some of the costumes she was given didn't help at all. However, she had a lovely, strong voice, if a bit deep for the role. I can see her as making a brilliant Lucy in YAGMCB, her last role with Blackbird. This, however, she should have passed up.
The choreography can't be condemned or praised in one word. It had its moments, from brilliantly amusing in some scenes to sorely reminiscent of a high school choreographer in others.
One song which was particularly amusing was Sunday, already very recognisable to anyone at all familiar with Sondheim, with the added twist of the name of the diner at which Jon worked, printed in small text on his t-shirt. Seurat's Diner. Very clever.
Anyway, it was a great show, well executed, and well performed. It's a must for anyone familiar with RENT, or anyone interested in autobiographical pieces.
This performance was put on very well. The set itself consists of boxes, platforms and stairs, a place readily adaptable to the many scenes needed, with a three piece backdrop of a large broken clock, stuck on 3 o'clock.
The actor whose performance particularly shone as near to flawless was Darren Natale, as Michael, as well as a multitude of smaller characters, each of which was executed perfectly, even when he took up Rosa's cigarette towards the end of the piece. Vocally, he was very good, and his acting was utterly believable.
The other performer who particularly struck me was Mark Dickinson, in the lead role of Jon. He had an intensity in his acting and singing that reminded me markedly of Michael Cormick, and though the demands of the show kept him nearly in falsetto for a large portion of the singing (although a falsetto which he managed very well, even if not quite managing with a couple of notes), when he was able to drop back down into his natural range, he displayed a rich, full baritone sound. In fact, as I was watching, I couldn't help but think that he would have made a wonderful Beast in BatB. (And in fact, when I got home and checked that program, that is exactly what he was; understudy Beast to Michael Cormick) So perhaps he was slightly miscast vocally, but that was truly forgiveable, especially when tears are pouring down your face during his song reflecting on the illness of his best friend.
The least outstanding of the three was Irene Dios, who played Susan. The first thing I'll say is that, to be perfectly honest, she doesn't look like a dancer. And some of the costumes she was given didn't help at all. However, she had a lovely, strong voice, if a bit deep for the role. I can see her as making a brilliant Lucy in YAGMCB, her last role with Blackbird. This, however, she should have passed up.
The choreography can't be condemned or praised in one word. It had its moments, from brilliantly amusing in some scenes to sorely reminiscent of a high school choreographer in others.
One song which was particularly amusing was Sunday, already very recognisable to anyone at all familiar with Sondheim, with the added twist of the name of the diner at which Jon worked, printed in small text on his t-shirt. Seurat's Diner. Very clever.
Anyway, it was a great show, well executed, and well performed. It's a must for anyone familiar with RENT, or anyone interested in autobiographical pieces.