Review: Rent at the Lichfield Garrick

Oct 17 2009 by Gary Denning, Birmingham Mail

LICHFIELD GARRICK

THIS bold and controversial choice of production by Lichfield Garrick Youth Theatre flourishes under the skilful direction of the talented and mercurial Julie Mallaband. 

Rent is a rock musical by Jonathan Larson, based on Pucini’s opera, La Boheme.

It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City under the shadow of Aids.

The music, directed by Oliver Rowe, is good but the singing is even better. Seasons of Love is a joyous ensemble piece, but Lily Somerville, as Maureen, steals the show with a powerhouse performance of Over the Moon.

Ends tonight. 

VERDICT: 4/5

GARY LONGDEN