The gritty streets of New York’s East Village are transplanted to Curtis
Park with the 24th Street Theatre’s current installment of Rent, presented
by Runaway Stage Productions.

Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning rock opera starts off with conflict – the looming fear of eviction outshines the adorning Christmas lights. The rent is due, and among other conflicts of heart and health, nerdy narrator Mark Cohen introduces us to his musically
inhibited and HIV-positive roommate, Roger.

Temperatures drop as Mark introduces the viewer to myriad characters: Mimi Marquez, a young and frisky exotic dancer; the slowly deprived Tom Collins; and the once-roommate-now-landlord Benjamin Coffin III.

One of the more flamboyant characters, Angel Schunard – played by Joseph Boyette – gave a standout performance as he makes his way through the first act as a drag queen version of Mrs. Claus.

Boyette captivated the audience with his tight choreography and fluid punchlines. As the play moves on to the second act, the colorful lives of the characters become more complicated as the harsh realities of the modern bohemian lifestyle comes crashing down.

The social-political commentary may not be the same hot-button issues as they used to be, but the rock opera’s strong messages of hope, acceptance and diversity are timeless. The polished and tightly knit cast remains strong throughout the whole show, monologues came out effortlessly and lines like, “Not in my backyard utensils, go back to China,” rolled off with seamless attitude.

The stage design imitates the original with a sparse setting reminiscent of an empty loft space. The minimal and functional multilevel design attributes the clever choreography that trailed onto heavy metal tables and industrial-piped balconies. What little space that was left unoccupied would become spontaneously filled with a lively cast filling in the harmonies.

Fast-paced and boisterous, the show keeps you involved with the many love triangles and tribulations of these urban bohemians. Sexual innuendos and mild profanity may cause parents to think twice before bringing their children. Rent is produced and directed by Bob Baxter with musical direction by Christopher Cook and choreography by Darryl Strohl.