“No Day But Today,” the ensemble of “Rent” at Dominion Stage. Photo by Brian Knapp.
Walking into Gunston Middle School’s side entrance, surrounded by kids and parents bearing water bottles and soccer balls, there is little indication that Dominion Stage’s production of “Rent” is being presented here. But in the library just inside, patrons are reminded of what makes DMV theater special. For their production of “Rent, ”Dominion is currently exhibiting a section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt that was first displayed on the National Mall in 1987 and features the bleakness of this health crisis at its height.
Rose…is the definition of star power…’Rent’ is a joy to see and reminds us, once again, of the beauty that can be found in times of great peril.
Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Rent,” one of the most infamous musicals of the 90s, is loosely based on the 1896 opera “La bohème.” It tells the story of Mark (an energetic and deer-like Zach Kessel) and his HIV-positive friends in the midst of the HIV/AIDS crisis. “Rent” has always been inherently political—the story includes a protest against the dismantling of a homeless encampment, along with explorations of poverty, sexuality, and AIDS. Director Jason Damaso, a DMV theatre veteran, places the politics at the forefront in this production, as local directors often choose to do.
From the lobby to the curtain call, the audience is constantly reminded of the larger political implications of the scenes and concepts that unfold in the musical. During “Will I?”(a song in which Roger, played by Preston Grover, and his AIDS support group worry about what will happen to them as they succumb to the disease), Damaso projects a slideshow on three screens on the back wall of the set which is usually used to indicate setting. It includes historical photos of AIDS victims in hospital beds as well as contemporary photos of demonstrations to honor AIDS victims. During “What You Own” in the second act, similar photos are displayed along with a video of an American flag waving upside-down. In “Will I?”, the photos truly ground the performance, creating a more urgent and uncertain atmosphere, but the more the photos are used (several are seen more than once) throughout, the more their impact lessens.
A simple set and lighting lend themselves to placing the performers at the center of the production. During the first act of opening night, there were some issues with the microphones and many of the performers could not be heard. While the problem was mostly fixed by the end of the show (and several performers were able to project enough to mitigate the problem entirely), it particularly caused Grover to fade into the background, partly because of his subdued and withdrawn characterization of Roger. This was most noticeable when he was singing opposite the fresh-faced Jennifer Soraya Rose who plays Roger’s HIV-positive girlfriend, Mimi. Rose did not allow the live accompaniment to overpower her performance, even when facing the back wall behind a staircase.
Rose, adorned with Larissa Norris’ extraordinarily flattering costumes, is the definition of star power. Whether she is dancing on tables, flirting with Roger, or shaking from withdrawal, Rose commands attention and embodies Mimi’s seductive nature while holding a space for her fear. The production is at its most exciting when Rose is on stage with Muggs Leone as Angel, the drag queen. Leone has played the role before, which is clear as soon as they hit their first note. He seems exceedingly comfortable as Angel and fulfills the demands of the drag queen with pizzazz, even falling into a death drop in one number. Anytime Rose and Leone connect, the production sings with joy.
With the work of intimacy consultant Emily Jonas, the ensemble was able to bond with one another in ways that the story demands. Thea Simpson as firebrand Maureen and Jasmine Jones as her girlfriend, Joanne, exemplify the importance of intimacy in “Rent”—kissing and expressing affection with steep amounts of passion and care. Ultimately, a story so motivated by love and LGBTQ+ identity lies empty without the proper love and respect displayed between actors. Jonas has clearly built a safe atmosphere that allows the ensemble to trust each other during their most intimate interactions.
Dominion Stage’s production of “Rent” adheres to the classic story while adding its own touches of modern-day sensitivity. Despite some technical issues (which will likely be addressed promptly considering their improvement just between acts), the collection of sure-footed actors commit to their characters and the love they hold for one another. “Rent” is a joy to see and reminds us, once again, of the beauty that can be found in times of great peril.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 45 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Not recommended for those under the age of 17. Contains adult language, brief partial nudity, sexual language, and mature themes.
“Rent” runs through June 22, 2024 at Dominion Stage, Gunston Theatre Two, 2700 S Lang Street, Arlington, VA 22206. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online.
