By Camille Agie, onStage Pittsburgh

“They say I have the best ass below 14th Street,” is a declaration spoken by Mimi, a young woman and drug addict, with a perfect combination of confidence and humor. Funny and flirty though she seems, as with all the characters in RENT, there is a lot going on below the surface. 

Mimi, as she tries to make a connection with the equally struggling Mark, reflects the broader themes of self-expression, identity and community that are captured to perfection in Stage 62’s rendition of the hit 1996 rock musical RENT.

Although I had listened to Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical for years and was familiar with the iconic song, “Seasons of Love“, this was my first time experiencing RENT in all its onstage glory. In the days leading up to the show at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, I avoided watching clips or reading too much about other productions, to preserve the element of surprise. 

With zero expectations, I was unprepared for the emotional ride that awaited me.

At the start of the performance, a white cloth hung from a balcony on the run-down loft set. News reports from the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and early ‘90s were projected onto the cloth, a display that immediately set the tone. I then braced myself to dive into the tragic and sensitive topic of lives affected by AIDS. 

Aspiring filmmaker Mark Cohen, played by Jeremy Poynton, and his troubled roommate, musician Roger Davis (Travis Myers-Arrigoni), arrived for the opening number, Tune Up #1, setting the stage for the story to come. They are among the squatters in a rundown New York City building, populated by struggling artists. Former roomie Benny (Allante Walker) will soon make an offer that could put an end to their bohemian lifestyle. 

The audience was introduced to Chelsea Davis as Mimi Marquez, as she enticed Roger out of his shell in “Light My Candle“. As Mimi, Davis delivered a performance that was both heartbreaking and captivating. Her rendition of “Out Tonight” was a highlight, her voice brimming with energy that was in stark contrast to her later, more fragile moments. 

The action of RENT takes place over the course of an eventful year, featuring the colorful characters who have formed a community around Mark and Roger. The filmmaker apparently has given up a life of privilege for his passion, while Roger, once the “pretty boy frontman” for a rock band, has contracted AIDS from his late girlfriend.

The relationship between their friend Tom Collins (Reed Verdesoto) and Angel Dumott Schunard (Chris Russell) was a breath of fresh air amid the chaos of their lives. Verdesoto’s voice was powerful and strong — his rendition of Collins’” I’ll Cover You” was wonderful. Russell amazed as Angel, the street drummer who overflows with generosity and love, and who looks great in a dress.  

Maureen Johnson (Richelle Szypulski), Mark’s former girlfriend, and Joanne Jefferson (Randi Walker) brought comedy and drama to the stage with their turbulent relationship. Szypulski’s rendition of the over-the-top, mostly spoken-word “Over the Moon” came as unexpected and appreciated comedic relief.    

ACT II began similarly to ACT I, with a white cloth mimicking a projector screen. Instead of news reports of the AIDS crisis, however, it was now showing interviews conducted with individuals’ loved ones, who tragically passed away from the illness. Seasons of Love followed immediately, serving as a thematic recap and an emotional anchor that examines how time passes and how we gauge the significance of the important events in our lives. 

Aubrey Burchell, who portrayed Mark’s mom, was the soloist in this number, with a voice that traveled across the room and was greeted with an intense hush, as the audience held onto every note. Burchell’s strong and moving performance elevated the already moving lyrics to a new level. 

In ACT II, Angel’s fate provides a heartbreak that impacts both the characters and the audience. Many in the crowd were wiping away tears as her friends shared tender memories, along with Verdesoto’s emotional reprise of “I’ll Cover You.” 

One of the final songs, “Your Eyes“, was particularly moving, with Arrigoni’s voice capturing the whirlwind of emotions Roger was experiencing at this pivotal moment in the musical. His voice expressed a deep sense of love, longing and vulnerability. 

The stellar Stage 62 production, packed with moving, uplifting performances, is directed by Nik Nemec, with musical direction by Michael Zak, choreography by Chelsea Fredrickson, set design by Jeff Way and videos by Johnna Lefebvre.

RENT feels as important today as it did when it debuted, with its timeless themes of love, grief and the search for belonging. 

 Camille Agie is a student at Duquesnse University and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns. Camille will be interning with onStage Pittsburgh.