Hey Grant,

By far the show stealing moment for me was Collins singing the reprise of "I'll Cover You" as I believe other people have already said. Yammanee had me with tears streaming down my face. I can't thank him enough for his beautifully touching rendition of the charcater of Collins - probably my favourite character in the show.

Overall, the show excelled during choral moments. The sound produced by the Vocal Ensemble was simply breathtaking. In particular Seasons of Love. I've performed that song before and it's bloody hard work - this bunch of people are all clearly extremely talented!

Other than that, I also really liked "Another Day" - it's one of my show faves and I think Jaya and Tim did a great job. I've always loved belting that one out with my friends - it's fun and fiery and I think they pulled it off.

Actually Tim Campbell surprised me. Not knowing anything about him (because I don't watch television anymore) I didn't have expectations of him at all and I thought he was great. The surprise came when I found out he's a H&A star - all the more reason for me to maintain my embargo on television - it clouds my brain! I really wish I could have viewed Nikki from the same perspective. Sigh...

Although, credit where credit is due! I didn't knwo she had a fractured foot! Way to go Nikki Webster! That's an achievement and a half!

Darren

Wow!!! I didn't check this page for a few days and look whats happened. Just to reply to a few comments directed straight at me. Feel I should defend my honour and explain some of my comments a little more for the kids at home.

1. Firstly I did read the program but my friend took it home with her so I didn't have it with me when I wrote my review. Sorry I do normally try to use everyone's real names. I thought I did rather well remembering considering this.

2. The whole monkey bar thing. Mimi is a stripper so yeah I would have expected a bit more pole dancer moves or at least a hint of flexibility. You can do quite a bit without losing your breathe and losing vocal quality (as Devon and Rhoda both did in the last production.. but lets not start comparing here). Also I was in a show where I (and seven other girls) had to backflip in heavy can can skirts and in high heels so I would gladly take up the monkey bar challenge. Not saying I'm better than Jaya or anything like that just saying that just because she's in heels and on a stage doesn't mean you can't do anything in them.

3. I am not an out of work or retired show person. I am primarily a dancer but I do sing and act as well. I try to see a show a month so I can have a wide range of experiences and see what talent is out there. I do go for the enjoyment. I also write reviews for enjoyment too.

4. The whole tweenie thing was not a pre-concieved idea. It was a joke that obviously didn't transfer properly. It was in reference to last weeks episode of idol but don't worry about it now. I didn't mean anything by it.

5. Saying "ps-if you hated the end, then you're pretty much saying you hated the way they did it on broadway, because it was very similar..." what a load of crap. I'm sorry but whether or not it was the same as broadway or not. This is two seperate performances. I have never seen the broadway version and probably never will so how can I hate something I have never seen. It wasn't the way it was staged that I hated it was the position Mimi got herself into. She looked like her back was being broken in two. I suspect that this was only a one night thing as I noticed Nikki try to move the coats when she saw how uncomfortable Jaya looked.

5. The foot injury with Nikki... they're called understudies for a reason (yes I know they would never put an understudy in for someone like Nikki unless it was really serious). And it wasn't her movement on her foot I hated it was her performance as a whole in this character, except her singing which I thought was fantastic. I personally like Nikki. I have her album and the strawberry kisses and Under Southern Skies singles. I also really liked her in Hair, I didn't like her in this (kinda like how I love Hugh Jackman but hated him in Viva Laughlin- but lets not go off on tangents...ha)

Anyhoos I'm gonna sign off again with a big Yippie and thanks for playing with Kate today. I love a good argument and folks you have all made my day. Kudos to the cast and best of luck for the rest of the season. Those who have seen it good on ya, those who haven't enjoy.

Cheers Kate.

Hello All,

Well, I went to see this production of Rent last night, and in true Kyle fashion, I am going to tell you all what I think. Like Kate, I will be ready for some back-lash on what I have to say - but at the end of the day, we all have our own opinions. I'm not saying that what I think is right, but it is what I think - agree or disagree to your hearts content.

Okay, so I was lucky enough to see the deal where you could get tickets for $20 each so my partner and I decided to go. I figure at $40 for a night's entertainment, even if it's bad it's worth it. Well, Rent was far from bad. Overall I thought the show was actually quite good. I think the feel of this production stayed true to what Rent is. The design, direction and choreography were all simplistic, but effective. This simplicty heightened the focus on the performance.

Individual performances were somewhat of a mixed bag. The clear stand outs were Shai Yammanee as Collins, Shane Jenek as Angel and Sharon Wisniewski as Joanne. (Please note that 2 of the stand outs are Perth home-growns!) I have never been quite as moved as I was when Yammanee sang the reprise for I'll Cover You - absolutely breathtaking! Jenek's Angel was so well characterised. One has to wonder though... where does he put it? Wisniewski sparkled as the sassy Joanne, bringing her own flavour to the role, and her vocals were fantastic. On the other end of the scale you had Jaya Henderson who, while clearly a talented performer, was not up to the role of Mimi. She didn't have the vocal control to perform Out Tonight and she looked uncomfortable attempting to create the sexy, strong persona of Mimi. Andrew Conaghan as Benny was also a slight let down. While the tone of Conoghan's vocals was quite beautiful, he simply wasn't as strong as the other principles and it was very noticeable when he would take a solo line.

Okay, now to the other celebrities... To be honest, they surprised me. Anthony Callea's Mark worked for me. No-one can question his vocal talents, but I also felt that his acting was okay. There were a few moments where I felt that the singing could have been more empassioned. I think that at times Callea sang the melody to the best of his ability without acting the meaning. I didn't mind this (although I do understand the people who are saying that just because he is new at this does not give him the excuse to be average when there are many extremely talented people out there - I'll give my perspective on that in a little bit) because I felt that it kind of worked for Mark's detached persona. I don't think he did it on purpose, but that doesn't change the fact that I felt that it worked. Tim Campbell blew me away with his Roger. He is extremely talented and created a very real character. His rendition of One Song, Glory brought my partner to tears! And then of course we have young Nikki Webster. I challenge anyone to say that this young lady is not talented - she clearly is! Her voice is strong and well controlled with good diction and a nice tone. The problem with Webster's Maureen was that I just didn't beleive the character. I don't think she quite understood who Maureen is. Her rolled shoulder stance and bent-in knees just oozed a lack of confidence - and lets be frank here - Maureen is about as confident as you get! And of course, performing opposite Wisniewski did her no favours - she simply didn't stand up to her partner's strength. I will say though - kudos to her for performing with a fractured foot. Very professional - Bravo!

Special mention must also go to Mrs. Cohen and Alexi Darling. (I would like to note that I can't say who played these roles as the only credits listed in the program are for the principle cast... Please change this in the future - I like to know who is playing what so that I can give credit where it is due.) These two performers really shone while on stage. A Capella singing is difficult and they took that challenge and succeeded wonderfully. While neither of these characters have much stage time, the performers gave it all they had and produced very real personas. Well done.

I felt that the direction was actually quite suited to the story. There were only a couple moments that I feel didn't work. During the song Rent Mark and Roger repeatedly faced each other and sang the chorus (such as it is) which worked the first time but became contrived very quickly. I also didn't like Mimi very obviously throwing her drugs on the floor in Roger's apartment. I've always felt that Mimi was very distressed at the concept of losing her heroin (as a drug addict would be) and that this act just seemed totally out of character. The only other moment of direction that didn't work for me was during the second act with Maureen confronting both Joanne and Mark while standing below them on the stairs. I just feel that the character of Maureen is too strong to let herself be put in such a weak position. She wouldn't take on these two people without having everything working to her advantage. Other than those three minor things, Chris Kabay has put together a highly effective piece of theatre - congratulations.

I thought that the lighting design was absolutely spectacular. The use of reds on the panels upstage was very dramatic and the light beams through the haze were highly effective. Unfortunately the cues were slow at times. Quite often a performer would begin to sing and not be lit until halfway through the line. Also, during the moment I mentioned earlier with Mark, Joanne and Maureen on the stairs Maureen was in darkness the entire time. I couldn't tell whether this was a fixed light (in which case it is the actors fault) or the follow-spot. I know that's being quite picky - but it stood out, sorry.

The band were extremely good. I always enjoy having the band on stage as I feel it brings them into the peroformance more and that the music becomes another character of the story. I believe this is why Larsen always wanted the band to be on stage for this show. I also felt that the arrangements for this production were very clever. Congratulations also to Musical Director Simon Holt for his outstanding work.

Some show-stopping moments that I would like to pick out are: Yammanee singing the reprise of I'll Cover You - as I've already said, this was one of the most moving performances I have EVER witnessed. Callea and Campbell's What You Own - the harmonics and energy created between these two was something very special. And not to be forgotten, the Ensemble. The ensemble vocals were absolutely stunning. Songs like Will I? and  Seasons of Love made my jaw drop.

My final words are to do with the much debated concept of utilising out of state celebrities in these shows. The reality is that while we do have the talent base here to cast a show like Rent entirely with home-grown performers, these clebrities help to raise the profile of a show. The interest generated by having people like Callea, Campbell, Webster and Jenek as part of the production increase the awareness of musical theatre in the Perth community. This will lead to the growth and development of the performing arts industry here in Perth. Already with Rent people have travelled interstate to see the show because of the celebrity factor. These people have now also seen our homegrown talent perform and will be getting to know them and raising their profile. If you don't like the celebrities, well, that is your own issue, but please do not question Eventainment's initiative and/or integrity in getting them for these shows as they are building the performing arts industry for us here in Perth. For that, I say a big resounding THANK YOU!

That's all from me, break a leg for the remainder of your season

Kyle

I just got back from seeing rent for the third time.. and the first two times I saw, didn't notice anything weird or awkward about the whole Mimi dying scene, so I made sure I paid extra attention tonight to see what you are all talking about..

But I found nothing. Why would she look 'comfortable'?? - she is almost at the point of death, I wouldn't think some paradise resort feeling would be necessary! Tim was very much worried and attentive to her, if it was done any further it would have looked as if he was trying to get into her pants! The scene is spot on, and the chemistry is definetly evident. But that is my opinion:)

This show is without doubt one of the most incredible things I have seen on stage..

Get in quick and see the show before it ends.. an inspirational two and a half hours!

BEN

Unfortunately I need to head down south very soon and don't have time to write the full review I want (yet).
Well actually, there is nothing unfortunate about getting away...

But I think it important to tell those that might be waiting for an excuse to get there. I saw the show last night (Thurs 22/11) and my overall impression was that this was simply excellent.
It's run ends this weekend, so get in there and see it.

More depth coming later, but-
Vocally, this is about the strongest overall cast I have seen in a show in Perth. Pro or am. Very very few issues, and those of the nature of live performance- this is both imports and locals.
Shai Yamanee- this man is a star. This was a performance of the absolute highest order. Rich and powerful and highly-controlled sound- throughout the performance. and the delivery of his character was almost flawless. I add 'almost' because I am sure there may have been something I missed. For me it was simply breathtaking. and yes- I cried bitterly in 'the spot'- but it began during Without You. The image of two people completely in love dealing with one's death was almost overwhelming during this song. When Shai sang the opening words of I'll Cover You I almost sobbed. I am actually lost for words to explain the impact this scene had on me.
Get to see him Perthies, cos a player of his quality will not be here for too long methinks.
I also thought that Sharon Wisniewski demonstrated an extraordinary voice in the role of Joanne. Some may remember my concerns about her voice fitting the part she was cast in in Guys and Dolls last year . Well- this was her part! My god- I could listen to that voice in full flight again and again. and again! Very confident and professional performance.
Jared Newall in his couple of small roles demonstrated completely the axim that there is no such thing as a small role! His christmas jingles man (I think mentioned above) plus the waiter in the final scene of act one were well conceived and prepared, and delivered confidently. His was the first voice in Will I also, demonstrating he also has a beautiful vocal sound that will only improve with age and training.

Of the imports I was impressed most by Tim Campbell, who I am sorry to say (to him!) really suprised me by how good he was. Good vocally, and good characterisation. Disagreeing with those above- I thought Callea was fine, and his voice was superb (and I have to tell you that I am/was not a Callea or Idol fan- at all). Nikki showed an awesome voice, but I'm not sure she was right for Maureen. and Shane was great- more detail later on all these!

The band were awesome. Really clean and tight sound. The fact we hear so little about them is probably the best sign of how good they were.

and the overall sound was almost flawless throughout the night. My wife and I were discussing the fact that last night is the first time EVER we have been in or watching a show at the Regal and the sound wasn't a source of bitter disappointment. Kudoes to mr Alan D Thompson.
(just guessing, but did Eventainment actually spend some money and give the sound crew the actual gear they needed to do this properly- cos it sounded like it)

Overall my only disappointment with the night was the bizarrely empty audience. I cannot believe that a show this good, with the reviews it had (West Australian), has apparently not filled the hall once. This is a travesty.
Perhaps when us perthies are complaining yet again about a show not coming here, or about a talented local heading east, or about a company bringing easties in to play, or about there being no paid theatre work in this town- we can look at the Eventainment/Yellow Glass experience and realise it's mostly our own fault.

I have much more to say, including theories on the audience probs (I cannot help but think that with the entire cast being paid, this show must be losing money, and probably not a small amount!), and more detail about the rest of the cast. But my wife wants me to get off my butt and get ready to go, and pregnant women must be obeyed!

Massive congrats to everyone in band, cast and crew- and especially the awesome creative team. More next week sometime (too much- too late?!)

Neville

It's the simple things stupid...

Thanks Neville for your review, I was lucky enough to come over from the east coast to see this show and was totally blown away by the show and the entire cast. I particulary loved Anthony as Mark and Tim as Roger, also Collins & Angel were dynamic.
I dont have time right now to do a full review, but I will come back and do that.
I actually went to 3 shows as I couldn't get enough of it, and it was on the weekend so found the venue very full, except maybe on the Sunday matinee, and from all accounts this last weekend shows where packed.
I actually feel sorry for anyone who didn't get a chance to see the show because of predjudices or that they simply couldn't get there because you missed something special.
Eventainment and Yellowglass should be proud of this production the cast were exceptional both local & interstaters.
I actually think things were just starting to really pick up through reviews and word of mouth and had it gone on longer they would be turning people away. I just think the story of RENT isn't anywhere as well known as something like say HAIR and there in lies a problem, how to market it.
Anyway I have said more than I want to about the production but will return to post my reviews on the actual show and the cast (they seemed like a very tightknit bunch as well and got on exceptionally well).

Hiddy Ho All

Well must I say I was so lucky to get some excellent seats for this outstanding show.

Anyways, the cast was excellent and the sound (inc techs) was excellent.

Now that was value for money 4 sure !

I was so blown away by the whole thing, it made me wonder why it was pinned to only show in Perth initially ?

Rumour has it, Perth is going to be the testing ground for a number of "unsure" ones. I say "Bring it On!".

Catch Ya's on the FlipSide

DQ