I completely agree. I'm a big fan of the show and I saw it on Saturday night. I think there was an understudy doing Maureen's role, but she didn't let my expectations down at all. It was hilarious. She had me mooing and laughing my head off when she forgot that line, no one in the audience could tell if she was supposed to do that, but if not, that was one hell of a save. The cast was great together - you could tell there were really strong vibes so when they sang as a whole, it took my breath away. I recommend for everyone to come see it! Its a shame that they're not doing what Penrith is doing - they should have done it instead if you ask me - and travel round to different suburbs.

They don't belong in Campbelltown, bring on Star City!!

wow, what can i say... RENT last night was awesome!

the ensemble vocal tracks were so full and stunning, you have got yourself an amazing cast! it really was powerful with all vocalists beltin it out downstage!

the set was great, you did a wicked job on that!and i loved the pole! )

all the leads were well cast and it was hard to know where to look cause everyone could demand the audiences attention just by being there!

Maureen was hilarious, she is fabulous on stage. and Mimi, my god, that girl can sing! her voice is amazing, im in love with her voice.

Roegr and Mimi - the two of you made me cry in the last scene where she dies, it was so gentle. awwww!

you have done an awesome job with this, the only thing i noticed was that you couldn't hear the vocalists over the band at times, but other than that it was a great show!

you should be very proud of it, and a big congratulations goes out to you and the cast!

chookas for the rest of the season!

Hey guys
Im part of the Rent cast.....We have so much fun doing it ...
Thanx so much for coming to see it and suporting us...

D
xxx and the rent cast

hey guys im the md, and i had a ball doing it too. thanks heaps for coming to see it. tell all your friends what you thought, cos only 4 shows left, and the cast have done such a great job they deserve to have a good sized audience for the remaining shows! cheers!

OK everyone

I have seen Rockdale. I have seen Penrith and then the same cast in Chatswood. I have seen Canberra.

I am a ginat RENT fan and I know the show backwards.

I have one thing to say.

If you are a fan of the show RENT and you miss out on seeing this production, you will miss out on the best production ever of this great musical.

The setting is intimate and the cast is casual to begin with. It was a little unnerving to see the cast roaming about the theatre and talking to the audience at first but it adds to the great feeling of the show overall.
The theatre is small and the stage is smaller than other productions but their set is outstanding and their use of the stage imaginative and flowing.

Jonathon Anderson (director) has somehow managed to cast 8 leads who all belong as leads. The direction itself is powerful, provocative and imaginative. (One Song Glory with the use of April is one of the most powerful and innovative interpretations I have seen of this particular song.)

As for the leads - what can I say...I noticed two flat notes in the whole show, which fopr an amateur show is way beyond my expectations Maureen - a fantastic characterization and her acting surpasses every Maureen I have seen. Joanne - a new interpretation - no longer butch or even overtly masculine, Joanne is powerful but vulnerable.

Roger and Mimi - this pair is by far the best - and I mean THE BEST Roger and Mimi I have seen. Their chemistry is papable and when they create harmonies together, it absolutely belongs on a CD. I would pay to hear Mimi sing Without You and I would pay to hear Roger sing One Song Glory. Angel (my favourite character) is fantastic - a dancer, a singer (a great singer too) and the only Angel who does his own drumming. Angel's death made me shudder and literally convulse in tears - why? Because this is the only Angel who has made me care about him.

Collins - probably one of the best leads on stage. His voice echoes through the theatre and you can hear every emotion from joy to heartache, not only for the character but also for the actor himself. Mark - a younger Mark than I have seen, a little inexperienced in comparison to the rest of the leads, but his character shines through in Tango Maureen and You're What You Own. Finally Benny - ( I read in the prgram that the actor playing Benny came into it three weeks before they went on) - if this is the case, I couldn't tell. Benny is by far the strongest characterisation on stage and a new way of playing Benny. No longer arrogant, he belives he is truly helping the group with his actions.

The ensemble are strong and powerful and when the entire cast sings, it sends shudders through my spine. Each person plays characters in the show with fun and honesty.

And technically a great show. Sometimes the band gets a little over zealous but the cast compensate with tempos and volume. The lighting is fantastic and the sound levels are exquisite.

In all honesty, this is THE BEST production of RENT to ever have hit NSW and I also include the professional version. This particular cast is awesome and the one thing that sets them apart from the rest - their consistency in their acting. When each character sings, they show their emotions and rawness of the character and that is what RENT is about - ENERGY. RAW ENERGY

If you love this show, I urge you to see this production and do not miss out or you will regret it. It may be in Campbelltown but is worth every drop of petrol and every cent for the ticket (and $25 for this quality of show is a bargain, they should be charging $70)

I will be seeing it again I know that for sure. I really do advise seeing this show if you want professional performances for the price of $25.

If there are awards for amateur shows, this one would surely win.

Congrats to all involved. I loved it all!

I saw Campbelltown's RENT too last Friday night.

I knew nothing about the show, I was dragged along by my friend and her husband to see it for a night out.

After seeing the show in Campbelltown, I now want to know everything about the show. I loved it so much. It made me cry and it made me laugh, The actors are brilliant and I was able to follow the story easily. (I did need some hep now and then in all honesty about characters) but I am now a Rent fan thanks to these guys.

It was brilliant!
If you can go see it, its worth it!

Anderson and Burdon's production of RENT is chilling. I can't think of any other word.

I saw it on Saturday night with Jennifer Hill understudying Maureen.

It blew me away. I have seen all other productions of RENT and this is by far the best interpretation ever of the show. The show is creative, poignant, loving, soulful, energetic and when the cast sings you can hear every bit of their hearts pouriing into the audience.

Jonathon Anderson who directed the show plays Roger and he is by far the best Roger ever t have hit the stage. When he hits the notes up in his high register, his emotion and obvouos love for the character rose up over everything else.

Special mentions have to go to Shan Brown as Mimi and James Glynn as Collins. Again, by far the best interpretations of these characters I have ever seen.

Please, please, please everyone go see it. You will hate yourself if you dont. And I agree with Jack - you guys belong in the Lyric Theatre. I would pay $150 a ticket to hear you guys sing again.

Totally brilliant!
Jacob

Oh my gosh,
How good was RENT at Campbelltown.
I loved it...best show ive seen in ages.
Must say that Maureen and Angel were my fav...but the rest of the cast were great too...well done guys.
I'm coming back this week to see it again.
Everyone should see it.
Although the cast was great the band was amazing!....Not one bad thing to say about this show only that it had to end!....
Chookas guys!
Tegan*

Jennifer Hill, that's the one. Should have grabbed a program!

Great job again guys! I'm gonna try bring a heap of us Rent frieks down this weekend to catch the Sat matinee. (As Sydney-siders, it's a shame its all the way out on Campbelltown, but it's without a doubt worth the trip)

Jonathan, let us know what other productions you're doing in the future, if they're as good as Rent - and from what I heard about Copacabana, count me in! Post it on here, I'm always on!

Thanks
Jack

Hey Jack and everyone

Thanks for the kind words. it means a lot

Our company is doing Noises Off (a play) in July this year and then either Little Shop of Horrors or The Wild Party and the end of the year in November in case anyone woul dlike information on either.

Cheers
Come see the show and again, thenaks for all the kind words.

Catch ya
Jonathon Anderson

This is directly to Jonathon Anderson and the cast and crew of Rent! I've seen alot of amateur and professional musicals and plays and I have never seen a cast that is more togther than you guys were on Sataurday. Being a matinee, I thought it would be really flat. But I could not fault one part of of the show. Jonathon Anderson (Roger) was absolutely awesome amd starred directed and choreographed. I especially loved One Song Glory and loved the fact that April was on stage for part of this song and was playing out that part of the story. I had friends with me that had never seen Rent and they said that it made them undersatnd Roger a little bit more...and for myself it made me feel for him!
My next bit of praise goes to James Glynn(Collins) and J'son Paulo(Angel). they could have easily been a couple. The onstage chemistry was amzing. I LOVED I'll Cover You. they made me smile and made the song into one of those feel good moments in the musical. I have seen Rent many times and have never felt this way during this song. Both voices were absolutely mesmerizing and I loved Today For You, Tomorrow For Me. J'son Paulo did and awseome job and I found myself cheering and laughing at him the whole way through!
collins reprise of I'll cover you(after Angel dies) was haunting. James Glynn's voice sent echoes through the theatre and straight to my heart. The emotion that came from that man was heartwrenching!
Last but certainly not least Shan Brown (Mimi) was one of the best portrayals I have ever seen! She had an amazing voice that pulled on your heart strings every time! During the emotional and intese moments between her and Roger it seemed as if she was really pleading with him and and really did love him. There chemistry was something you would want to bottle!
Everyone else in the cast was amzing. From the leads to ensemble everyone was so passionate about this show and what they do as an artist. I can not express andymore how much I loved this show and recommend everyone to see it.
To the cast and crew well done and wish you success for the rest of the season and your careers!
xxx

Yeah.. I saw Closing night of RENT.. and I have a few things to say.

Firstly.. I have to commend the cast of the wonderful job they did and the brilliant interpretation of musical because it was very fantastically done. So kudos to Jonathon Anderson...

However I did have a very big problem at times with the vocals.

Exclusing Mark, Collins and Angel who were able to stay on key the whole time, the other leads really let their voices slide.

I am not trying to be negative and discourage but I really do have to say that some parts of the show truly were cringe worthy... I understand that it was the last night and their voices were tired, but I think there was just a little too much off singing. This was noticable mainly in "I Should Tell You" which became dissonant everytime there was a harmony between the two... Joanne and Maureen sometimes sounded screechy and a little hard to listen to maybe because the songs were too high.

Having said that, I couldn't flaw the acting much. Collins and Angel were fantastic with eachother and I was very pleasantly surprised at how well the chorus did. Big praise to them, especially the one playing Marks mother, (Jessica Bell I believe?) who absolutely lit the stage up with her presence, talent and undeniable beauty!

I am sorry if any of my review sounded at all negative, but I was just giving my honest opinion of the show.

Congratulations to the cast.. Especially the stand outs; Mark, Angel and Collins! A job well done and we look forward to seeing you in you next production.

I saw both the Wednesday night (15th) and Saturday night (18th) shows and I just wanna say brilliant job to you all.

The person above, I agree that i noticed a few off harmonies, but that didnt take away from the show at all. Everyones voices were up to standard, and most of the cast beyond what i expected for an amatuer production.

The guy playing Roger, on the closing performance. You're either very good at pretending to cry or they were real tears.
"Your Eyes" was so emotional, I've never actually seen anyway play the character of Roger break down and cry. I thought it was so moving.
A very strong actor who understood the character he was playing.

Mimi...you have an amazing voice. Your level of emotion was outstanding. I was almost in tears to hear you sing "Goodbye Love". Incredibly heartbreaking.

Well done to the band as well. They sounded fantastic.

So yes, although there was some harmonies that didnt quite sound right (I Should Tell You and Take Me or Leave Me mostly)... for an amatuer production it was outstanding and passed all my expectations.

Can't wait for your next production.
Congratulations to all the cast, crew, band and anyone else that made this production happen.

Hey guys thanks for all your awsome reviews i would like to thank the cast for all the hard work they put in. Even tho i yelled, swore, swore more, and told them off more times than i can count, they pulled through, and in my opinion pulled off one hell of a show. i had several professional agent friends of mine, as well as some of the vocal dept of the conservatorium come to the show, and they were all stunned at how good everything was. yes, there were a few off harmonies at times, but all things considered, i would just like to say personally to the cast, well done, and you guys rock the world! also, an extra note to the band if any of u guys read this. thank you so so much, you guys played like monsters!!!!!! i have never had more fun in a pit in my life, and i have seriously done pro gigs that were not as good thanks everyone!!!!

hey guyz..this is j'son and i played angel..first of all i just want to say, thankyou to all the people on here with the words of love...it makes all the hard work,worth it in the end. ..To our MD..paul...you bloody ROCK!!...the band!!!....you guyz are amazing..had me dancing all the way thru the show!! it was sweet jam'n with ya'll!!!

john...you know how much love and respect i have for you!!

the beautiful cast...what can i say...i have never seen a more talented and crazy group of people...i loved every second on stage with you guyz.....still being new to theatre, i learned so much from you all....and now musical theatre will play a big part of my life, just from being around youz...the love and passion you all have for this art is fantastic..

jim...i had heapz of fun work'n with you..i dont think anyone could have played collins as well as you did...every show we had, i couldnt wait to get on that stage to sing with you!!!.....

ohhh...big thanx to the stage crew!!! from now on,every time i perform on a stage, ill be look'n for you guyz in the wings...i alwayz look to the side for surport...sarah and marley were there time afther time cheering me on!!! mwah mwah..

.....but yeah thankyou all once again..for the love and suport and hope to see youz in the showz to come!!!!......

love ...j'son quincey paulo p.s to everyone in the cast...i love you and miss youz like crazy!!!!!!xoxox

HI. I really don't want to be the awful one who comes on here and says all negative stuff but i will give an honest opinion of the show...
i have just read all the reveiws on here and all i will say is self praise is no reccomendation!! its obvious who wrote all those reviews!!
Honestly guys.. i came and saw the show as i went and saw all... and im sorry but you were no where near the most pro, polished or by far no where near the best!! although you had some nice moments and you your ensemble sung well.. over all it was a mess!!
i almost felt like you were taking the piss out of RENT!!! you didnt even try to be professional i mean i had Benny sell me my ticket which might i add was a 50c reffel ticket???? really?? you could have tried a little harder than that, i mean i understand you have a budget but i mean even print them out at home.. seriously. then the cast was all out over the stage before the show started... have you ever seen a show with cast members befor the show hanging around OUT OF CHARACTER.. not even at high school were we being that un-professional!!
Now Casting??? wow... ok... i'll start with the possitives.. Mimi was good, nice voice little bit void emotionally but quite good over all!! Collins was good, beautiful voice but a bit too much with the "emotions" bit over acting but well done. Angel again beautiful voice bbut acting a little dull, beautiful voice but. and joanne was ok too. and ensemble even though a little lost at times vocally nice.
the weakest thing about this show was the direction or lack of!! half the time people didnt know what they were doing... i just dont think that was fair on them.. they had potential but NO direction. Now i do alot of professional work and even if your the most talented person it wont show without good diretion!!
ROGER??? ok... i'l try and be tactful here... you were not very good. your pitch, your acting you understanding of the character and most of all your attitude was just all wrong. This really pulled the show down. Roger.. a young stuggling "rock star", sexy, sad, intimate, caring, rough looking.. you didnt fit any of these.. you sung it operetic and very out of key i dont know how mimi did it at times and i was certain you were going to come out in that santa dress too. now i dont want to appear homophobic and if your gay thats fine but Roger isnt and you played him like a little puncy gay man who had no emotion at all. very bad casting by the director!!!
MAUREEN??? ok, vocally could not cary this role at all... over the moon although full of energy was in at least 17 different keys. again just bad casting. the understudy although a little young seemed better for the role.
MARK. this guy has a lot of potential really nice voice... way too young and inexperienced to play this role.. you didnt really understand it did you?? its like everyone especially roger just tried to over shine you and the role of Mark then appeared as a featured ensembble not THE LEAD!!
Look i know your a musicall society and i didnt walk in the doors and expect full on professional but i would have liked you to try a little harder just simple things like the tickets and being back stage at the beg and intermission in character.. you just didnt seem to take it seriously! and the fact that you put down other productions that were done... its not cool. i deliberately didnt compare you too penrith, rockdale or chatswood cause you all have diffent casts, interpretations and budgets it wouldnt be fair to compare!! but i will say at least they tried to be as professional as they possibly could!!
i was less than impressed with the lack of preperation and professionalism of this production. I feel sorry for some cast members... mimi, would love to see you do that role with a differnt roger where you can really work off some real emotions!!
well done ensemble. and just remeber self praise is no recomendation.

Obviously everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is great. I am sure the rest of the cast is greatful you came to see the show (yes, I am a cast member).

For starters, the cast did not write the reviews, so you can rethink that 'obvious' assumption.

All I will say is that all other people that have responded to this show have found it to be a wonderful production that brought new and emotional interpretations to Johnathon Larson's brilliance.

Perhaps you should try to take in other people's interpretation of character. This show is about raw human emotion, that was delivered in abundance in this production.

Thank you to everyone who came and saw the show.

Well after reading all that!! WHERE do I start --

To whoever the viewer is ..... well you sure have a problem with the director/Roger ... don't have to be einsten to work that one out!! what happened?? did you want the part as Roger & got turned down.. Is that what this is all about!!! don't YOU have a problem???!!!

I attended the show & no I am not part of the cast !!! I must admit the only thing I knew of RENT was: that it was a broadway musical about a gay community, drugs sex & alcohol & people dying of Aids-- Now me being a good Christian & over the age of 50 give me a good reason why I should see it & with a title RENT what the......???!!!

Well that was the attitude I had, when I reluctantly went along to it with friends who actually wanted to see it.....the point I'm getting at is this......... You DO NOT have to be an actor or a director or to be in that profession to know how good an actor is ....(or is not... as in your case admirer) Why would? not only myself! but other people around me feel so differently about this show to you!! we loved the show .... it was so moving & the actors were passionate & it did show (hey even if they were flat in some of their songs!! who cares???!!) The important fact was the overall -- they portrayed their characters beautifully!!! The story & everything about it did justice to Larsons brilliance. I am now an instant fan because Campbelltowns rendition of RENT & the band!! well!! if I was young I'll be their groupie for life - they were awesome!!! I take my hat off to you all for such a great show. Congratulations to all - & thank you ......

well actually you are quite mistaken Sir... i dont have a personal problem with the guy that played Roger.. i dont know him from a bar of soap... i didnt know a single person in the show.. and No i did not want the part of Roger as i am a female... but nice thought.

to be honest i wouldnt have bothered to write anything about this production but due to the attitudes of alot of the cast when i had the "honour" of meeting them i thought id give them my honest opinion of the show as you have yourself sir!!! its just my opinion... no need to get all up tight about it. you liked it.. i clearly did not!!! and i just felt very un welcomed by the cast as i just said hi and tried to introduce myself and yes even congratulated them all i got was attitudes left right and centre... and they constantly put down other productions which is just un called for.

as i say in my first note i didnt go there with the highest of expectations as i know it was community theatre... but i expected alot more than i got!! I did community theatre for years and have as of last year started in the professional scene so i do, believe it or not Sir have alot of experience and wanted to pass on my thoughts of the show in a professional manner i wasnt picking on anyone i didnt know them... i was just my thought and my opinion of this show!!

I don't think it’s fair to bash somebody because they didn’t enjoy the show.
That’s their opinion and we should be grateful that they’re sharing their view on the show with us. That’s the point of a review. To let other people know what they thought of the production. If they didn’t enjoy something, they say so. There’s no point in saying they liked an aspect of the show when they really didn’t. That doesn’t achieve anything.

I guess it sounded a bit harsh in some parts, but in the end, this is what one person thought of the production and I’m sure they weren’t the only one who didn’t enjoy it. But on the other hand, there were also a lot of people who enjoyed the show (AKA myself) and who said what they enjoyed.

You can’t please everyone obviously. Take it on board and I look forward to your next production.

Hi everyone!!

I've been meaning to come onboard to express my thoughts!! But I thought I'd just read for now the different reviews .... but after reading the latest ones I felt I needed to comment!! Yes I do agree with "everyone is entitled to their opinion" & as I said to J'son (who was shattered by some of the review) he is going to kill me!! It is to be expected! It's not going to be everybodys 'cup of Tea' that's show bizz for ya! But after the hard slog... the time & committment put in by these VERY talented young people .... hearing something negative is a bit gutwrenching!!

I should tell you.... I should tell you.... that I thoroughly enjoyed the show -- I cried through the whole show the first time I saw it (opening night) - such an emotional brilliant show!! J'son you did us proud as did the rest of you & I send out to you all ..... "one thousand sweet kisses " for a job well done!!!!

Everyone we know who has seen the show has not stopped talking about it ... the songs are permantly drilled on my mind.... if only I could sing in tune (don't know where jase got his voice from).

I haven't finished singing praises yet but I'm at work & I'm on my way out to go home.... I'll finish this off later..... bye for now

To viewer. i played in every single amatuer production of rent in sydney, except for the chatswood one. If you had something constructive to say, that would be all well and good, but to just post on a forum bagging out a production, and saying this could have had a more professional attitude, like rockdale etc, i must suggest that u dont kno what the @!#$ you are talking about. for a start, i do actually do serious professional work, im not just someone who comes onto forums bragging about having done stuff. and some of your comments dont make any sense at all. collins, overdoing the emotion? lol that was pretty funny. the show a mess? that was pretty funny too. at least you didnt say anythign about the band cos then i would have been like what the @!#$! and got really pissed off. this, in my PROFESSIONAL opinion EASILY ranks with rockdale as the top two rents done thus far. sure there were some off moments, especially with some of the lead singing at times, but to just come onto a forum and pay out a production, not giving any helpful advice in the process...what do u think people think about that? of course everyone is entitled to their opinion, but having said that, it would be nice to hear some suggestions, as opposed to "oh that was just crap".
And one more thing, some of the sydney conservatorium vocal staff came to see the show, and they were impressed with most of the singing. and these guys are some serious hard asses, having done stuff with german opera, aus opera, etc etc. and whilst im sure you know what you are talking about, i definately rate these guys opinions.

thank you so much for your comments about the band everyone! they often dont get recognition, but i seriously feel like these guys deserve it, they did awsome! and average age of the band members was 19! it was wicked!!!! ok il stop posting now!

HI MD!! so sorry you took this to heart so much... i actually thought the band was great prob better than rockdale if i must compare ... was very tight!!!
"oh that was just crap" ??? ok for starters i never wrote that, or ANYTHING LIKE THAT!! i started with the possitives.. ie i thought mimi was great!! and i complimented collins voice i really enjoyed hearing him sing.. i really did think he over acted just a little - thats my opinion - you know you can take that constructively!!! and a ngels voice - beautiful!! just not experienced in the acting side of things!!HE even admitted to that! and i just read the message posted by angels mum - and just so you know i really do understand how much work they have put into this show.. i do!! i wasnt slagging out on the cast just the direction (and roger... didnt do it for me sorry) you could tell the cast worked hard.. its a HUGE show they would have had to to even get it up and running i know!!
back to MD - some constructive critisism or suggestions?? i gave them if you bothered to read my reveiw again with an open mind you might see that!! simple things like tickets... being back stage before the show... not bagging out other shows in front of your paying audience.. it really turned me off! and my comments about some pitch issues, you just agreed to!! so dont just get on here and swear at me and accuse me of being (to quote) "someone who just gets on here bragging to have done stuff" and say the show is "just crap" cause i NEVER said that!! it wasnt CRAP it had a lot of potential as i said but it also had alot of bad things IN MY OPINION!! like direction, casting, attitudes!! and i'll say it again - i know your a musical society not pro - BUT if you had the balls to put down other Societies in they way i heard you do it SURELY you can take a little back and on board!! I will if you like compare productions.. i havnt at all yet as i said it wouldnt be fair having different casts, venues, interpretations and budgets!! But if it will make you happy MD i will write a review about All 3 (Rockdale, Chatswood, and Campbletown) i didnt see penrith sorry so couldnt do that one!!
you shouldnt take it so personal... trust me if a paper of some sort came along and reviewed you show it would have been alot worse!!

hi guys,
wow, ive been following this forum thread on&off for a few days now..
and there's been some biiig developments obviously lol

i'm a part of the cast from Campbelltown and i'd like to thank everybody who came 2check out the show..always appreciate the support

Also, thanks to everybody who's posted us a review (the good / the bad / the ugly lol). It was really nice to have so many positive ones, but i think it's also important to know what people liked and DIDNT like.. Peter_Martin (i think it was you) had a good point: "you can't please everyone".

i wont get all "OMG!! HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT ABOUT US!!" because everybody is entitled to their own opinion.. and a review IS meant 2b a personal opinion.. and feedback is feedback. So thanks for sharing.

Personally, the experience of being in the show and working with this company was a total BLAST and it's not something i'll forget ever

It's a shame that not everybody enjoyed how we did the show, but.. even the people who commented on things they didnt like had good stuff to say too, that's what matters!

Anywho, i'm off
Thanks again to everybody for their comments and taking the time to see the show and review us here! See you @ the next show..

peace out

I attended campbell towns production of RENT, and i unlike "viewer" and mr "md" I do not have any proffessional experience in the theatre, so i believe that it is people like me in which community theatre is aimed at.

So with me and people like me being the target audience i believe that the company producing the show should try to do as much as they can to convinced us "inexperienced folk" of what the theatre is about, allowing them to experience the full audience experience. And i suppose that is what i was expecting from campbelltown.
I was horribly let down in this category. I got there and bought my ticket or should i say raffle ticket off a guy in a booth wearing make-up and a mic, who handwrit 'admit one' on the ticket.
walking through the doors, to find me self struggling for space as more people with microphones and make up barged passed me shoving me and completly ignoring my presence.

Finally recovering from my shock, me and my partner found a seat and took a breath thinking "ahh the show is starting soon", well i mean a show did start, i suppose it was a sort of meet the personality behind the character- we sat there in complete amazement, as we watched the cast sit on the edge of the stage dangling their feet into the orchestra pit having a good ol chinwag to the band, watching cast members muck around on the stage and play with the props and set.
So i suppose this wasnt a good first impression. the show started, and first half i am totally supporting 'viewers' perception on the first half so i suppose its a waste of time sitting here rewording all her valid points.
But next up comes Intermission, i thought hmmm maybe they have calmed down a bit since the show started, but no, the guy who sold me my ticket who i soon learnt was benny was now selling me my can of lemonade, hmm.

the end of intermission alarm went off and we all shuffled bak in there to sit through the second half once again being trampled but cast members.

Now i dont know if i have put across me point but here it is in a nutshell.
If you are going to put on a show and advertise it to the wider community, the aim of the gaim is to entertain the audience who are paying 25 a pop to come and watch you.
Instead Campbelltown made me feel incredibly unnoticed un appreciated and uncomfortable, which made me have a negative attitude to everything else.
thanks for your time, and letting an inexperienced audience member have the'r little say

So lets all play nice, be honest and take all opinions on board because in this world there is always room for improvements and let us not foget thats first impressions last, so when involved in a show have respect for those who come and support you.

i didnt say you said it was just crap. that is just an attitude people exhibit. i did read your review with an open mind. i am seirously not a biased sort of person. besides how could i not look at your post and go, wow she must hate everything. you expressed some pretty strong sentiments in there. yes i can see where you are coming from, and sorry my last message was so uptight. i guess i am just seeing it from my point of view. when the show first got together and i was askd to md i was like wow rent awsome i want to do it again. then i heard the cast and was like omg they totally totally totally suck ass. like i was seriously what the hell have i gotten myself into. but then the weeks went by and they workd their asses off so so much. sure, i yelled and threatened and swore (more swearing than anything), but in the end they pulled through, and considering it was pre cast and no auditions, i thought they did a remarkable job. sorry if i went nuts before. i am usually not like that. i guess it just caught me by surprise after all the awsome reviews that someone actually didnt like it.
ps the band was def better than rockdales. mainly cos we have all played together before, and they are all psychos individually

To Agreeable,

I'm really sorry that you didn't enjoy the show.
I've been reading through the string of conversations and yes for the record, I too, am a cast member.

I needed to let you guys who didn't understand why we were walking around the auditorium before, during and after the show understand.

When he was directing, Jon came to us with ideas for the show and said what kind of impression he wanted to make on the audience. To give it a different feel from the typical production of Rent he wanted to go out on a limb and try something new. So he thought the dramatic illusion of "bringing down the fourth wall" would make the audience question it and create a different impression, which from what I can see, has happened.

I don't really apolagise for that, as studying drama, I appreciated the fact that instead of learning about the "isms" (realism, naturalism, absurdism etc) that I could finally test it out.

What I do apolagise for, personally, is that you didn't feel at home, or all that welcome, as you said. We had a very lively, warm, caring cast and we were very tight as a group, and from what I noticed we did meet and greet the audience when we could. It's also the same respone for whoever said we were saying things about other productions of Rent. I went to see Rockdale and Chatswood and I was impressed with both, but I don't judge, as although they're all the same musical, it's definitely not the same show, as each had a different director who had something original and amazing to bring to the show.

I do hope you come back again to see another A&B production, because the line up for the next few is TOTALLY amazing and I can't wait to be as much apart of them as possible!

Thankyou so much for coming 'agreeable', I'm really glad I could hear your opinion and hopefully if you come to see another show, you'll enjoy us, and it, just that little bit more

To everyone who was in rent, I REALLY miss you all. You're amazing and I've learnt so much from you. Drop me a line sometime. I love you guys so much!!!

With all my love
Jen xx

I've seen all the Rent productions (both professional and amatuer) in Sydney, went to Canberra to watch theirs, saw Melbourne's one and I also had the opportunity to see Campbelltown's...

I'm not at affilliated with anyone from the Rent productions, however, I myself have performed and directed amatuer theatre and been in a handful of professional musicals/shows..
I read the reviews on Campbelltown's show prior to seeing it and my gut feeling at the time was that these reviews were a little bit too "praising" and quite possibly biased.. Nearly every review did not have one negative thing to say about the production - which is always a little suss. Regardless, I went to Campbelltown (took the M5 + $3.30 toll there and back) open minded about the show, getting ready to enjoy it, but unfortunately finding out that my gut feeling was right.

Overall, I you guys seemed to work well together and had fun doing the show, in that sense as whole I automatically took a liking to you guys.. which is why I am taking the time to write this, otherwise I really would not have bothered. But if you want an honest opinion.. One that isn't biased. One that isn't written by someone involved in your production or a friend, a family member or the like.. Then here it is. Take it or leave it. Up to you. But I believe that as a performer, you should accept both negative and positive criticism and learn from it. It's the only way for us performers to better ourselves and grow.

First of all, if you want people to take your production seriously and respect it.. especially in the theatre world, these are things to note
* Have a program. That is important. I want to know who I'm seeing up on stage. Also a program is important to officially credit the work of every single person in that production, cast and crew to the general public. Maybe you guys may not have had the funds to produce a program?? To be honest, I wouldn't have given a @!#$ if you guys only had a single flyer as a program.. But do the general public (and yourselves) the courtesy of producing something at least. Director/Producer, you should know better..
* DON'T have members of your cast sell tickets (in costume with their mic on!!), serve tea and coffee during intermission, chat to friends and family in the audience during intermission or be visible to anyone in the audience before the show starts!! These are all very silly things the cast members did! Oh my God - I could not believe I saw the majority of your cast before your show even started! I was shocked and mortified to see them hanging out casually at the front of the stage, going down to talk to people before it even started... Guys - high school musicals conduct themselves better than that! And next time, get one of your mums or a family friend to sell the tickets at the door.. not one of your lead cast members in their costume!

Okay.. I forgave all that - pushed it out of my mind and decided to concentrate on the performances.

Overall, the singing was quite okay. Yes, there were some dodgy harmonies and some weak singing, but there is potential and some talent in your cast.

Out of the leads, the best performers were Joanne and Colins.
Joanne you need a bit of work on the voice department, but go and see a great singing teacher and develop it. I can see that you are a natural actress, you have a spark and you looked great on stage.
Colins - seemed like an experienced performer, but at same time also seemed to be holding back a little or thinking way too much. Technically good but did not connect..

Mimi - great voice, develop it. Don't let nerves get the better of you cos it affected your performance and because of it you didn't shine. There was a lack of emotion in your acting, don't know if that was the director's choice but it did nothing for your character. You do have talent and with more shows, you'll only get better.

Angel - fab voice, but you looked really uncomfortable on stage the majority of the time and you seemed really self conscious or going in and out of character which made your overall performance very unsteady. In future, make sure you commit to your character the whole way through and don't give a @!#$ about what people in the audience might think..

Roger - Sorry your performance was void of any real emotion.. Good singing voice but it would have been better if you had given this part to someone else and concentrated on the directing of the lead and ensemble performances which really needed it.

The ensemble cast were okay. The ones that were good and stood out were the The Dealer, who also played other roles and Mimi's mum (the girl with the curly hair).

There is a certain amount of professionalism that is expected in Amatuer theatre nowadays. Sorry to say, this production did not have an ounce of professionalism. Because I have seen the recent amatuer productions of Rent at Rockdale, Penrith and Canberra - I have to say Campbelltown was the WORST out of the lot. I'm not a big fan of the other 3 amatuer productions who also had their flaws, but out Campbelltown just had too many weak links in all areas, including the performance department.
Others whom I know have seen this production have all felt the same way about it, including people who have never seen RENT before Campbelltown's.

This may seem harsh. But I am speaking very honestly and truthfully about this show. As I said, take it or leave it.. But Campbelltown at least, you have an honest, non biased and somewhat a constructive critique of your show..

Next time you put on a production.. Bring it! Prove us wrong. Prove to people that there is real talent out west. I know there is.

Wow all I can say is..........ticket's seem to be a central point of amateur
performances. I can see the points that have been made and I apologise for the inconvenience, I also would have liked there to be more programs.

However the curtains have closed and the show has ended, therefore nothing else really needs to be said. A review is written to encourage or in some cases discourage people from seeing a show. Now that the show is over and it is quite impossible to see our version ever again, it seems to me that any review that has been posted, has been posted to intentionally bitch about or praise the now passed show.....Enough has been said.

As a cast member, that has not been mentioned in any above posts (Thats right I'm not Mimi or Roger or any of those), I would just like to say thankyou to all those people who came to see the show, Campbelltown is a bit of a trek for most people, and I hope you really enjoyed it - for those who didn't sorry bout that.

To me amateur theatre is about making friends, expressing yourself, having fun, entertaining and learning. I think when reviewing it's important to remember that word amateur....it implies certain things like untrained actors, low budgets etc etc...... and remembering this I really cant see certain 'points of view'.....(Excluding the tickets and programs.)

To all of the cast and band and any and every one somehow and somewhere involved in RENT! I love you and miss you all already... we all worked so hard as a team to make this work and I would say that about 60% or more reviews have only said how much we rocked.

Cast, Crew, Band - After you read all of these reviews look back on the last Friday night and remember that crowd - undoubtbly the best crowd ever - remember them all standing and clapping and dancing, Jen and I think Trevor - remember racing around the theatre clapping - embrace that moment and the feeling of it all - that's what theatre is about.

Viva La Vie Boheme!

Wow, the claws are flying here it seems!

Viewer, I for one would find your review of all three productions a great read. I'll keep my eye out for it. Also if you could include your opinions on the set, sound and lighting designs/operation.

In regards to the comments on here of late, guys I think a lot of you are missing the point. It's not a competition here. We sing, dance, and in my case design/operate lighting rigs (amateur & Professional productions), for the love of theatre. So put your claws away, take on board the criticism, move forward and look forward to your next productions.

The attitude that I have seen on this forum of late is quite disgusting. People really need to remember, you may have the best singing/acting/dancing ability to go far in the industry, professionally. However, I have seen it time and time again where artists are overlooked, black labled if you like, because of their attitude. And no, I'm not attacking a particular production. I'm just telling it how it is.

Oh, one last thing. Not a good idea to knock people who offer their genuine opinion of your show. You have to remember, these are the people that are paying their hard earned money to come and see you perform. You could almost say it's their right to voice their opinion. You crush these people and their opinions, they'll remember and play their part in crushing the ticket sales on your next show. They don't forget! Without them we have nothing, whether that be professional or amateur.

Now back to lovely warm posts. Maybe we could all get together and sit around a camp fire singing songs from the Carpenters or something... hmmmm, maybe not that warm.

Cheers

AMEN 2THAT - Lx Boi
I am an outsider that do not have any proffessional experience in the theatre/stage productions. So far from what I've seen, I absolutley loved it - Just the whole excitment ("Yes I know Theatre Virgin") of watching young performers perform with all their heart. As far as i'm concerned, "Can't wait 4the next 1".

Its heartless to think negative opinions need to be added when everythings over and online - couldn't you just say it after a show while in the cast's presence - that way they could've improved more and please every1 better.

I say (and along with 4others that attended the show with me Pauleen, Nathan, William and Jack) that we really admire these young people you go out of their way (with other commitments) to learn and enjoy what they love and "who knows" may carryout in futur professionally. They did their best what more could we have asked4

peace N

I have read all of the previous reviews, both good and bad, and no, I didn't see the show. But I do just want to comment in response to the last post by ".... Enough has been said" regarding the whole purpose of a review.

I do not believe that the sole purpose of this review forum is to provide feedback to cast members etc whilst the production is still in progress. I believe that the forum is here to provide feedback about a show, irrespective of whether or not it is still in production. This way, everyone else who has seen the show can then offer their OPINION about whether or not they agree with the review, hence opening up a forum for discussion, which is what this whole forum thing is about - discussions and sharing opinions.

Enough said

Im going to hold off on that review LX Boi as i really idnt intend of comparing all three... i dont think its really fair and at the end of the day thats not what its al about!! But thanks... i'm glad you would have liked it!

just a little note in regards to the "enough has been said..." i see your point i really do... i understand the meaning of the word amature.. you all certainly sprelled that definition out to us during your show.. amd thats fine if thats all you want to be.. Amature theatre IS about having fun and making friends but its also about enhancing your skills and getting experience if you want to go forward... every show you do should also be about putting your best out there, making people remeber you and recognise you... you do a half hearted performance or dont take it seriously people remember that!! first impressions last!! Yeah have all the fun in the world.. your young go for it... but when the lights go down and your on stage no matter how "amature" the show is... you switch on and give it your all.. thats the reality!! thats what people pay to go and see... people dont care that you have made lots of friends.. and pashed some guy in the cast.. the care about seeing a show(which just happens to be their fave) in which they travelled an hour to go and see, paid $25 for and thats it!! We all take in mind Budgets.. of curse but that has nothing to do with Attitudes and performance level!! OK... !! if you really want to make something out your talent andd go places (which i have no idea whether you do or not) but if you do - Every performance counts they are all stepping stones to get you there and no matter how little the budget is or how "amature" its supposed to be... you can still make as professional as you possibly can... then get of the stage have the time of your life, make friends and all that!! But if that someones in the audience that could offer you part of your dream.. just maybe if he or she are in the audience... they see you at your best and its remembered.. .. they see you at your worst.. its never forgotten!

so sorry if you cant see my point!!! i just felt you guys could have given it so much more... it could have been a prefessional amature production!! You guys were not serious... and for people like me who love and adore the musical.. i hated seeing it like that!! there is a time and place for "fun" i mean yes have fun on stage but remember what your there for.. remember the job your there to do... if you want to make a creer out of it.. It IS a job ok!!

all the best

Hi Viewer. Thanks for your honesty is reviewing our show. There were elements of it that may have not been as professional as they could have been, but we did strive to achieve certain benchmarks. The bit that had the cast milling with the audience was an attempt to generate an off-broadway feel to the show. We got a mixed response to that. As a cast member I too had mixed feelings, but it was an interesting spin and something to learn from nonetheless. I'm confident also that nobody in the cast wrote positive reviews and then posted them on this website. And if anybody has got stuck about you for your comments, then I apologise on behalf of Rent Campbelltown sincerely. Honest hard hitting reviews are nearly always the most useful. I don't recall anybody comparing us with other Rent productions, but if that's true, you are right...it is low. I went to see Rockdale and was very impressed with what I saw. I thought their performance was energetic and strong across the board with very few vocal flaws. I think Rockdale's cast was very well suited to the parts given to them with Mark a standout.
I think our production was delivered with purpose and love of the show itself, and with the knowledge that perhaps the technical side may be lacking in some regard. I know the director John produced it and dedicated himself to delivering a rewarding experience for the audience. It was a very personal journey for him.
I had a great time as Collins. I take your point about perhaps going over the top emotionally. It was a fine line to tread. Too little emotion and people go away feeling Collins flopped. Too much and people feel Collins was not credible. On one occassions I actually lost it entirely. It was the first matinee (audience of 15) and I broke down during the reprise. Almost to the point that I could not sing. It was a first for me that was probably encouraged by the fact that my kids were in the audience (I could see them smiling up at me). I came off stage wondering if I had just presented Collins as a complete wimp. Perhaps I did. Nevertheless, it was an amazing experience from an acting point of view. If you have worked professionally, I'd really be interested in getting your feedback on this issue. Should an actor just live in the moment if they are feeling extremely emotional? Or should control be exercised somehow. As I said, it was a first for me so I just let it flow on stage. People seemed to like it, but I wonder if those who wanted to hear the song as it is normally presented went away feeling ripped off.
Anyway, thanks for your comments.
Cheers, Jim

Hi collins (jim)...
i didnt mean to offend you with my comments and i hope i have not!! i really didnt come on here to start some sort of riot... which i feel i have! i just wanted to express how i honestly felt about the show!! It wasnt ll negative as some people seem to think... i commended what i thought deserved to be commended!! YOU for instance... you have a trully beautiful voice you do. In the way of acting.. or "emotions" i know what you mean, there is a fine line!! Now im NOT by any means THE most Professional or experienced person asi said in my first post " i just got my big break in the professional scene last year" and it took ALOT of work, dedication, good reviews, BAD reviews and the lot!!now again i will say my opinion of your over acting is JUST MY OPINION its not a fact!!
BUT having said that i will give you my "opinion" on the emotions thing if you like! I think absolutely play on real emotion if its suitable for the character and moment!! The other night when i saw your show... it just didnt seem real.. natural!! it looked like you were TRYING to be really sad... you almost werent in the moment or something and you tried to source your emotions from somewher else if that makes sense... like if you had that emotional breakdown in the matinee.. its like you were trying to do that again and it just didnt come accross natural that night!! so i guess came accross a little "over acted"...
Also in my opinion of Collins - i personally dont think he would break down that much... i personally think he would try to compose himself a little for the sake of everyone around him.. and i see him as a real fun loving happy go lucky guy and even though its one of the saddest moments you could find yourself in i still think he would try for the sake of angel to keep his spirits up and remain composed!! But really just my opinion!

thanks for your message

Hi viewer. Thanks again for your thoughts. No I didn't take offense at your comments. It is good to get objective feedback. I guess you are right, I was trying to source the emotional energy from elsewhere. I've never had any real theatrical training (outside of just being chucked on stage out in Campbelltown), so I was relying on things from my life to generate sadness. Perhaps I have to find a way to be "in the moment" and connect more with what is happening on stage. It's the holy grail of acting that would be nice to find. Collins was a huge challenge I must say. I found his character to be a slow revelation much like the show itself. Rent is a blast, but I defy anybody to understand all that is happening the first time they see it. I mean it pulses and moves and tries to reach out to you....but what the hell is going on!!!! Those were my thoughts when I saw it in Sydney professionally in the mid-1990s
My last role was Javert back in 2003. That was demanding too, but he is more like Dearth Vader, and emotionally he really only has a few gears (when compared with Collins). I guess I was trying to show contrast. The first act is all about generating a sense that Angel and Collins are in love. Their relationship is the centerpiece of the show as far as themes go. They love completely and without prejudice and the other leads struggle to reach that level. It is really a beautiful relationship. I was glad I got to play it with Jason who truly cracked me up on stage continuously. Then in the second act comes the turmoil and loss. I thought about doing the strong Collins thing, but I guess it didn't fit my style. I see your point that he is a strong character, and you are right in that he probably would not have broken down. I was influenced by the movie to a degree. I found the reprise in that rather unemotional and a little disappointing. So I went for more emotion, and probably muffed it on most occassions.
But still I had that one really special (personally significant) performance in front of 15 people on a Saturday afternoon that will stay with me forever I suspect. I'm glad my kids were there for it. As I said, I think they prompted the tears so I'll have to drag them a long to future shows.
So goodluck viewer with your professional career. I hope it flourishes and delivers a lot of satisfaction. If you have your foot in that door, run with the opportunity as far as you can and know that all of us left back in the amateur ranks are cheering you on......whoever you are! Were you Ula....? lol

Cheers,
Jim

WOW ha ha ok "cast member".. settle down!!i could say so much... but by your message its clearly not worth my time or energy!!

Thanks for the poset "collins"... and ah, no i was not ULA... that would have been totally un real though!! I was in the show though and do know Chloe - Now she is AMAZING!! Thats professional for you!!! A true star!
i think you would have ben great as Javert.... Look forward to seeing you arond the traps!! Take it easy x

Hey viewer. Yes Chloe was absolutely amazing! I have two 6 ft tall blonde sisters who (for laughs) would put on Swedish accents to impress guys at pubs (silly yes). So I laughed hard at Ula...and kept laughing on the way home and the next day and on the train to work that week. The Producers was a very slick show and I'm a huge fan of Mel Brooks. Bring on Blazing Saddles the musical! I heard Brooks praised her as the best he had seen. She certainly blasted Uma Thurman into the weeds.....woooo and legs! lol

Anyway good luck to you. Post stuff so that we at least know what shows you are in.

P.S. get a copy of today's Australian Financial Review. P21 has a feature article on the state of theatre in Australia. You would be interested in the information about the financial state of potential employers out there.

Regards, Jim alias Collins, Javert, Diesel, Caleb and high priest number two

Sorry viewer that was Thursday's Financial review not Friday's

We took two car loads out to Cambelltown last Friday to get the best dose of Theatre that we have had in a long time. We laughed, we cried and we too mooed!What a company! The energy between the leads was good but even stronger in the ensemble pieces. A week later, the music and the characters are still in our heads! La Vie Boheme!

cheers

I havnt seen the producers movie yet... heard its really great thought.. but yes i would agree Chloe was by far one of the best... and i know i know.. un real legs hahaha!!! Rent the movie opens next thursday - very exciting can hardly wait, have seen dodgy version but will be so much better in cinema!

Post me your email address and i will let you know of my next show!! the email address i have put on is fake, so dont email that one!!

All the best

Viewer x

Hey there viewer,
I just wanted to say with the getting attitude left right and centre from the cast.... I played Benny and i dont know if i did that to you but you do have to understand something: Now i'm speaking more for myself here so i aint talkin bout the whole cast. If after a show you try and come and talk to me - yeah i probably will give you attitude because to tell you the truth i dont really care, i only care when im stage. When im on stage you the audience are all that matters to me and i do my best (even if it is crap) to whisk you away from your own life. Once im off stage you mean nothing more to me than a stranger. But as i said thats me - because i dont do praise and quite frankly if your coming to meet the cast thats what i figure. Sorry if thats harsh (again i dont know if it was even me that did it, but maybe some others feel like me or they were stressed cause they had a bad show or whatever the reason). Dont hold it against them.
Here ends the lesson.

My Dear Mr Burdon,

I am thinking about the industry,

*If you wish to befriend an audience thats your doing and your doing alone - if your in the business to only entertain and not socialize - why is that a problem?*

It is a problem, because the audience is your business. I don't get how you don't understand that. If you are going to put on shows then your audience is your client, and you have to do everything to keep your client happy. I know that it costs money to mount a production and as a new company it is difficult. Did you consult other members of the theatre community in Sydney for help with different aspects of the show. I am sure there would have been assistance available to you if you are just starting out. I am not trying to bag you out or anything like that, because i understand what it is like to be passionate about something and from what i gather from your previous posts that you were passionate about "Rent". That is great. But always remember that the impression that is given to a customer on their first introduction to either you or your company is a lasting one. As far as comparing what you do, to what Wesley Snipes and Jim Carey do, well let's just remember that they are the ones with the millions, not us.

Regards.

carolyn

Hi Burdon

I never saw your show, I'm not even in the same state and to be completely honest, I haven't read the other posts in this thread. But you raise an interesting point; how much do you as a performer owe your audience?

I am not a friendly person, I am horribly shy and I don't like meeting people. This will come as a shock to a lot of people who know me peripherally because, in spite of the churning knot in my stomach, when I am introduced to new people, or when audience members approach me after a show, I always try to be pleasent. The reason for this is threefold;

1. I want them to come and see me in other shows;
2. I want them to cast me in their shows;
3. It's just plain polite.

This is a business of luck and connections, so be nice. It is also a business where we don't exist unless someone is watching, and repeat custom is a company's bread and butter. If you alienate enough people, eventually you will fail. Very simple.

Leah

Very well written carolyn... Benny benny benny.... your attitude totally stinks!!!
Everything carolyn has said is write.., WE, the audience are your bussiness... and even a 5 year old knows that its just polite to acknowledge a person who approaches you ESPECIALLY if the travelled an hour and spent $25 to come and support your freiken show ass hole!! Far out.. Just listen to yourself, you sound totally pathetic... if i was someone in your cast i would be trully embaressed by some of the stupid ass things you have said on here!! DUMB - really very dumb. Not only have you made sure any of us who actually came and saw rent will never come to see another show in Campbelltown but even those who didnt see this one who are reading you stupid comments wont waste their time to come and see on!!!

maybe befor starting your own "company" you should go back to primary school and learn the basics of communication~!!

let me preface with- I didn't see the show, don't really know rent (probably enough to get me lynched on this forum in itself), and am in a completely different and far more western state of Oz.

Burdon....
?????

Having been a professional in the music industry for more than a decade with my own business (a percussion ensemble) I am at best astounded, and worst horrified at your attitude.
I too have sunk literally tens of thousands into my percussion group to set it up, and create one of Oz's top groups, with several international and national tours etc. behind us in the last decade. At every point I remembered one thing-
the audience are IT. it is the 'performing' arts. without an audience it's the rehearsing arts.
audience pay your bills, they provide your company with purpose, and they can- when properly looked after- be your strongest partners (including sponsors etc.)
if you want (at minimum) a return of your initial investment it would be wise to listen to the fact that the 'cast in the auditorium talking before the show and selling tickets' issue was a fairly consistent one amongst these reviews.

you tried something, and it sounds like it didn't work for many. I certainly would have been pissed at spending 25 of my hard-earned for a 'raffle ticket' and/or no program. If programs cost too much to print (and believe me you are not the only person in Australia putting his own money into the black hole called the arts industry) sell a program for 1 buck to cover printing costs on your home computer or local library or something.
It disrespects not only your audience, but worse, your cast/crew to not take the effort to make the entire show experience special.

a note to everyone in community theatre-
the performance experience begins with the the advertising/booking, and continues from entering the venue, through the show, and into the post-show experience (including things like this forum) it's not just from the opening note to the curtain call.
Audiences expect a good show, but a mediocre show can be saved or destroyed by the audience member's overall experience of the night, irrespective of the performance itself. a s'''ty night magnifies any shortcomings in the performance.
whether we're in it for fun, experience, or to create great theatre etc., the reality is once you ask someone to pay to see it, you're responsible for delivering something.

Burdon-
If you are too tight with your dough to trust a cast member's mum, or a arts management student, or anyone with the ticket money (there are systems to track income/sales- like tickets!), then you will never make a cent in this or any industry. I presume by reading previous postings that making money must be one of your aims...
and there is good money to be made- even from pro-am- if you like (take the MS society's six-figure profit from last year's Les Mis here in Perth)
and if you're not too keen on meeting people or doing the small-talk, get a partner on who is- I did! it is necessary to at least be polite to people, and at best make them feel like stars. you will be stunned how many of them will go out of their way to help you next time.

On reading your last post I can't help but feel frustrated that someone obviously passionate about theatre has by the looks of things burnt themselves out so early in their ventures. moreso when much of the stress may have been eleviated through getting support that may have been given willingly.

I was glad to read the director's reply, he is obviously someone willing to learn and grow. and passionate- good luck with the future, and listen to your critics, they will often provide you with the only useful feedback.

and to all- before you get upset with a review/opinion/comment, remember- it's a bunch of zeros and ones put up on a screen- they can't hurt you!

Nev

and a little ps for those who think that I should have a theatre background to post, I sing with the WA Opera, and have MD'd and performed in several pro-am/community productions for the last few years. so I'm not just a drummer!

and sorry for the length everyone

I'm in the cast, and i just wanna say that i agree....
That type of attitude sucks.

I had such a great time doing the show, but you're doing the company no favours making stupid posts like this.

This type of attitude isnt what the rest of the cast and company have.
We love to see people after the show and hear what they thought about the show.

Sorry that this person reflects badly on the rest of us.

Hello everyone

As much as it is interesting to hear from what seems to be every single member of the cast and crew of this show and from every single audience member who saw this show, could we please let it rest now?

I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion and I think the website has now had a large number of them posted. If we could remember that the website is an Australia wide one and there are a number of other shows being performed at the moment around the country. Maybe we could possibly move on to a few others.

I am all for talking about different aspects of the show but I feel that this production of "Rent" has certainly had the " Full house , no more vacancies " sign up for a number of weeks now.

Lets move on shall we?

( and no I didn't see the show)

if someone wants to start a discussion about a different show, no ones stopping them.

if they would like to continue discussing a particular production, then so be it.

Neville Talbot wrote:
> At every point I remembered one
> thing- the audience are IT. it is the 'performing' arts. without an
> audience it's the rehearsing arts.

Can I steal this quote?
Did you make it up? I like it
Gonna use it on the kids at school when they refuse to perform 'coz they "only do it for fun"

My turn!
Sorry to anyone who wants this diatribe to end but I'm apparently completely out of the loop. Just got back from an A&B meeting and was told about all the craaaaazy posts. Yep I'm another cast member, I was in the ensemble and also played Alexi Daaaaaaarling and the crazy swearing bag lady. It took me two hours to read all your posts so I think I deserve to have my say.... and here it is, god help me if I leave anyone out. Beware the following may be sappy. Its not usually my style but it needed to be said.

Matt - I'm talking to you on msn right now, how funny. You were super quiet to begin with but now I've gotten to know you you are a barrel of laughs. You're a very talented young lad.

Matt G - my dear dear squeegie man. I remember when you were the little geek in JC superstar that had a crush on me... teehee. I love you so much and I want to give you a big hug. So glad we are friends mwa!

Kirsten - You lit up the stage, literally, haha, love you long time and damn have we had our ups and downs! But you are the most amazing friend and I love the way we are just so funny haha.... mooty.

Trevvy - You have always been there for me and I promise to always be there for you. If I like-a you and you like-a me. I could go on but I love you loads, the end!

John - John john john. There have been times when we've wanted to punch each other in the head but i tell you what; everytime I do a show with you I grow as a performer. I've never known someone with such creative vision and passion for what he does. You push me and make me want to be a better performer. I can't wait to do more fossey with you, my god man! Its your thing!

Shan - You are beautiful. You are such a strong woman and I really admire you on and off stage. When I first watched goodbye love from backstage I cried and cried.

Claire - Aaaaaaah... aaah... aaah.... aaaahI'm dreaming... hahaha. Man you have been such a bad influence and I love you for it hahaha. You are truely one of a kind and I'm so glad to have you in my life.

Gida - You took Joanne and you bloody went there and killed it. What a hot chick - get this girl! Can you believe we've been doing shows together for almost eight years? The stories we could tell lol

Megan - You are a little me. You are adorable and you crack me up. I see myself in you so much that it scares me. You have so much in you that is going to make the world a more colourful place.

Heidi - I told you what I thought on friday night but you may have been too drunk to remember. You blew me away, you WERE maureene and after seeing you make grown men moo night after night I just cant imagine anyone else in the role. You're sex on legs, you are!

Jen - You are a little ray of sunshine. You are the cutiest patootie with so much talent. You make people smile when you are smiling, you're just one of those people.

Paul - You're rude and obnoxious, god I love it. Hahaha. You are probably the most talented musician I've ever worked with and one day I'll be able to say 'hey i know him'.

The Musos - you guys ROCK! what else can I say? Except I'm sorry - that's only directed to the rhythm section.

Jim, James, Glynn, JIM GOD - You have been such a wonderful friend to me for such a long long time, from Scully jnr, to just plain Scully. I could talk to you for hours and not get bored and I know you would listen and care. You were amazing as collins, I cant even describe it.

J'son - You go girl. You are the diva of divas. You sparkle. You're voice makes me melt and you are so quirky and charming in everything you do. Love you girl, mwwwwa.

Krystal - You, honey, are gorgeous. Your voice is so pure and clean, I love it. Your attitude is hot! Ha ha. Paul needed a talking back to from time to time.

Kareena - You are the sweetest little lamb! You are a quiet one but theres a lot in there. It definately makes its way out on stage. I can always pick out your voice from the crowd!

Jess - You are stunning inside and out. You broke my heart as April, and well, "I DONT KNOW IF HE"S THERE" I mean, woo, you rock. You are so much fun and I'm so glad to have met you.

Sarah - I miss you already! Come hoooooome! Please! No don't, do it get out there and go places I'm so proud of you. I meant what I said- I would pick you to go in the ambulance lol..... lover xxx

Marlee - You are so sweet but not enough to be sickening! You are a funny gal and I love making you laugh coz your laugh is infectious. You also have style worthy of Carrie.

Davey - You light up the room and my heart. I love your voice and your hugs. I'm so glad we have become friends, you are one in a million and are so giving and selfless... you are amazing!

Andrew - aka drinks guy. You are one of the funniest people I know. You are so much more versatile then I thought and hungry, hungry for fame. I hope for a PASH at every party for the rest of my life

Deb - You already know that Mimis mum was one of my fave bits in the show. You are such a lovely warm person. I can't believe it took us so long to realise, duh, i know you. But I'm sure glad we're friends now!

Me - Well what can I say? An angel sent from heaven.

So its all over now, lets all of us wonderful people look onwards and upwards to the next one.

Love Lisa

Oh Anthony! God bless anthony.

Oh sorry, this has nothing to do with this conversation...

Burdon wrote:
>
> This has nothing to do with a salesman but it caught your
> attention right?

[%sig%]

Hey all

Jonathon Anderson here

Regardless of what you thought of the show, whether you liked it, hated it, criticized it, praised it -

I really believe its time to get over it

Its now been three weeks since the show finished and although discussion is good and that is what theatre is for, I believe there are a great number of shows all over Australia that deserve recognition and reviews as well so lets stop focussing on the past and look to the future productions that other production groups are offering.

Thank you to the cast and crew, to the great reviews and the honest criticisms of the show. I have taken everything on board and we'll utilize what I can for our next show CABARET

But again everyone, lets give other shows - SHOWS THAT ARE RUNNING - a chance to create discussion as our production has.

Thank you
Jonathon Anderson

So can I ask if Burdon still has anything to do with the productions?

after reading all these posts from him with SUCH an unprofessional attitude (whether amateur or not professionalism is paramount) I wouldn't have touched campbelltown with a ten foot pole whether it be to see a show or audition.

If he's gone, maybe myself and others might reconsider.

Hello

Jonathon Anderson here

"Burdon" is involved in the company on an administration level now, he is no longer working with the direct public, rather one on one with myself. Before you say anything, I do not want to hear any "oh thats a relief" etc etc because Im really quite over it. I am now running the creative director role if you will, so I am still directing the productions and trying to get them on stage and figuring out ways of doing that.

The majority of the RENT cast will return to the stage in July for a production of CABARET with some new additions etc which I am looking forward to. We also hope to stage Calamity Jane as our end of year production.

After Burdon's retirement from the creative side of things and into the administration side of things I have renamed our company FROM A TO B.

However if you would like to work with myself I am directing and co choreographing GREASE for Holroyd Musical and Dramatic Society this year.

So I hope this has answered your question. If you have any further questions feel free to contact me on my email jackhammer004@hotmail.com

As I said before, lets get over this show regardless of what was said and concentrate on other up and coming shows. Seussical by Campbelltown Theatre Group, Chorus Line from Bankstown , West Side Story from Rob Martin Productions - there's so much more to offer out there than our one show.

Thanks all
Jonathon Anderson
Director (and the really crap guy who sang operatic as Roger) - RENT
FROM A TO B PRODUCTIONS

Just scanned comments. I didn't see your production, BUT have to say, the attitude, coming from the company is what gives amateur!(community theatre) a bad name. Yes, you should have fun, BUT are you charging the public to see the best quality production you can present, or charging the public to view your self-indulgence? 'Collins' "I broke down when I saw my children etc.etc." you are playing a role, and should, at all times be playing that role, not crying over your kids seeing you on-stage - self indulgent, un-professional and AMATEUR!!! Biggest no-no in theatre is cast out the front before curtain up, (and after in make-up/costume) and not only do High Schools, not allow it but Primary Schools, as well! Yes! I know the show well, could sing it from beginning to end, care of devoted 'rent' fans, my children. I was at opening night Sydney, Rockdale, and the CD in this house is worn out, thanks to my children playing it for around 4 years non-stop. Had a few years respite, and because of Rockdales production, it started again. Only last week the younger, now 24, hired the DVD, so I can assure you I know the show well AND I love it. BUT these type of shows seem to lend themselves to self-indulgence.Rather than trying to be as professional, in attitude & performance as one can be, with limited funds and facilities, you seem to have self indulged and praised yourselves, just a little too much.

PS: Rockdale's show had some really strong performances, BUT the direction was apalling!

Guess what? There is always another show, and one day far more important memories will prevail, than "when you wre in Rent at..."

The company comes of as unproffesional because their leader is the most unprofessional... ask mr. burdon what happened to cabaret... or should we ask his sister? or the M.D.? or whoever he points the finger at to cover his dodgey antics...
steer clear of these trash shows (thats if they ever go on).

To who ever secret is- Through the grapevine I have heard about your message and I am not impressed. This is the first and last time I will ever write on this forum because I think this has gone too far for too long.

I am Mr Burdon's sister. I don't know if you are trying to "defend" me or if you are just being a total wank- but I would appreciate it if you could not mention me again. If you were thinking you've done the right thing by pointing me out- think again. If anything you have made the situation worse on a personal level between my brothers and myself; No matter how close to my brothers or me you think you are, or what you understand of our relationship as a family.
Secondly I would like to point out that one of the Brothers is reffered to as "Burdon" the other is "Anderson"- .....

Whatever your intention is- fight your own battle, voice your own oppinion, but leave me out of it.

Regards