'Shining in the Shadow of Hype'

By Gabriel Morales
For the Real Critic’s Blog

In a bold move of choosing a beloved, hyper-celebrated show that starkly contrasts their usual conservative, family-friendly fare, Temecula Valley Players presents what is easily their best-sung, most well-produced show in recent memory, Jonathan Larson’s “RENT.”
With great success, TVP mainstay J. Scott Lapp (Director), original touring creative team member Evan D’Angeles (Associate Director/Choreographer) and Brian Hammond (Musical Director) molded a wonderfully-casted ensemble of beautiful voices into a chorus that would make any uber-fan proud. According to a TVP insider, great care was taken to replicate every aspect of the original, legendary production. From the look/type of each character and the gorgeous set, down to the dynamic lighting design and each costume piece -- this local show is a bright reflection of its Broadway namesake. Granted, but imperfect nonetheless.
With this, as most great artworks, one must look beyond its overall beauty to find the flaws, should one feel so inclined -- and this being a musical, with the actors having to live up to the triple-threat expectation, there are several ways one can nitpick. The spectacle of a large cast and great choreography, which this show has in abundance, can be overwhelming; thus, when an actor’s alone, the missteps are harder to hide. If strutting around in eight-inch stripper heels is a battle, dancing and jumping on and off tables is a war. Who couldn’t forgive a bit of wobbling? Holding a note, even many notes, while gyrating and twisting around poles is difficult; doing that fifteen feet in the air above a metal staircase, more so. Who wouldn’t show a bit of trepidation?
Height and lucite considered, even complex melodies notwithstanding, truthful acting is always the hardest of the triune threat to accomplish. Apropos, a noticeable shortcoming shared by most of the ensemble was what to do with their hands. The default response to this confusion, it seemed, was overuse. Anchored to haphazardly flailing arms, claw-shaped digits jerked and grasped ad naseum for invisible objects: perhaps gravitas, the truth of the moment, or the pathos absent in their characterizations.
At times, the story’s seriousness may have called for silent, soulful brooding; but as it is with the majority of young Hollywood stars, that objective is missed, clinched jaws and blank stares given in its stead. The few spoken lines, especially at the show’s emotional climax -- where a good ear and pipes, the original star’s recordings, nor vocal coach could render aid -- those moments, proved themselves the pierced heels of an otherwise impressive body of demigods.
But again, that’s just nitpicking what is without question an superbly crafted, enormously entertaining show. A work of art. An Inland vase as it were, unfortunately chipped by hapless movements and lack of focus.

'Rent' continues through May 23 at the Old Town Temecula Community Theatre. Visit www.temeculavalleyplayers.com for details.