(Back row, L to R): Sydney Forrester Wilson, DeMario Adams-Holiday, Christian Gonzalez, Willie Hadnot Jr., and Tyler M. White; Middle row: Otega Okurume, Azaria Oglesby, Sam Slottow, Olivia Cholewczynski, Alexandra Baca, and Cameren Evans; Front row: J.C. Bost and Ryan Alexander. Photo by Joshua Hubbell for Compass Rose Theater.
The hit musical “RENT” has deep roots. In 1988, American playwright Billy Aronson began writing a rock opera based on Giacoma Puccini’s 1893 “La bohème.” A year later, Aronson began collaborating with 29-year-old composer Jonathan Larson. When their collaboration began to stall, Larson asked if he could take over the project. Aronson agreed, provided he be credited for the original concept and additional lyrics should the show ever open on Broadway.
…the entire cast delivers outstanding vocals and superb acting, making this a must-see show…This reviewer predicts sold-out shows and standing ovations every night.
Over the next five years, the ambitious Larson worked as a waiter while writing hundreds of songs and revising the script numerous times. Sadly, he never had the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of his creative labor. He died suddenly from an aortic dissection on January 25, 1996, the morning before the show was to open off-Broadway. An instant favorite of critics and audiences, “RENT” moved to Broadway within three months. Since then, the musical has garnered a Pulitzer Prize and four Tony Awards and continues to enthrall audiences around the world.
Like “La bohème,” the musical is about a group of artistic friends struggling to find success while maintaining authenticity amid political strife and poverty. “La bohème’s” 19th century Paris is replaced by a contemporary, Lower Manhattan neighborhood. While Puccini’s characters live in the shadows of a tuberculosis epidemic, Larson’s are learning to living in the age of HIV/AIDS.
The Annapolis-based Compass Rose Theatre, in partnership with Anne Arundel Community College, Department of Performing Arts, is now wowing audiences with their own production of “RENT.” Under the direction of Stephen Emery, the entire cast delivers outstanding vocals and superb acting, making this a must-see show.
Mark, masterfully played by Sam Slottow, is a struggling independent filmmaker who shares an apartment with Roger, a songwriter and musician who has recently learned he is HIV positive. The two are so broke that they are squatting in an unheated building that now belongs to Benny, their former roommate. As Roger finds himself falling in love with Mimi, an erotic dancer and drug addict, Mark is coming to terms with his on-going relationship with ex-girlfriend, Maureen, and her new partner, Joanne. Meanwhile, their friend Collin embarks on romance with Angel, a drag queen with AIDS.
Willie Hadnot, Jr. plays Benny, whose newfound wealth has him torn between loyalty to his old friends and the trappings of commercial success. Ryan Alexander shines as the vulnerable and woeful Roger. He shares a powerful on-stage chemistry with Azaria Oglesby as Mimi. The two make a believable couple and the audience is easily beguiled by their love story. Ally Baca plays the temperamental Maureen, a bisexual performance artist, and Cameren Evans is delightful as social activist, Joanne. Demario Adams-Holiday plays Collins with a soulful tenderness. Christian Gonzalez is unforgettable as the flamboyant and kindhearted Angel.
J.C. Bost, Olivia Cholewczynski, Otega Okurume, Tyler M. White, and Sydney Forrester Wilson round out the cast as the ensemble. Like their colleagues playing the principle roles, this ensemble can sing! The collective artistry of the entire cast combined Larson’s brilliant lyrics and the age-old human experiences of love and loss keep the audience spellbound.
The high-energy choreography is coordinated by Elda Trombley and the deliciously smooth music is directed by Paige Rammelkamp. Production Manager and Scenic Designer Sean Urbantke created a set that brings the audience directly into Mark and Roger’s apartment. The backstage crew, set builders, and many of the tech positions are held by Anne Arundel Community College students. All are to be commended for giving us this entertaining and thought-provoking production.
This reviewer predicts sold-out shows and standing ovations every night. If you have not already purchased your ticket, do so without delay. Treat yourself and a friend to this truly beautiful production of “RENT.”
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 40 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Adult themes and profanity.
“RENT” runs through March 8, 2026 at Anne Arundel Community College, Humanities Little Theatre 112, 101 College Parkway, Arnold MD 21012 For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
