Teatro Pinas Review : 9 Works Theatrical' RENT MANILA 2024

 “Rent” had its launch last April 18, 2024 (Thursday) evening, running two (2) and a half hours at Carlos P. Romulo Theater, fourth floor of Rizal Banking Commercial Corporation (RCBC) Plaza, in the bustling central business district (CBD) of Makati City. “Rent” is a rock opera adapted from Jonathan Larson’s book inspired by previous operas about bohemian living where young artists struggled in downtown cities in America in the 19th and 20th centuries. The award-winning American musical was adapted by local theater company, 9works Theatrical. The actors were candid in their stage performances. There were occasional microphone lapses, but the actor continued with their performances excellently. 

9works Theatrical knows how to capture its audience. Meet and greet was extra special and different as audiences were invited to sing along in chorus by the end of the show. “Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.” the song starts, “In daylights? In sunsets? How about love?” Actors connected with their audience through the “Seasons of Love” song composed also by Jonathan Larson in the 1996 version of the Broadway musical. 9works Theatrical first performed “Rent” in the same theater and performed the same again after 34 years, as mentioned in the introduction before the show started. The singing activity brought the audience in unison like a church community singing a gospel song – exalting and passionate.

The stage was transformative, fitting multiple venues of the story in the small stage of Carlos P. Romulo theater. Each stage transformation helped form the ambiance to complement the mood of each dramatic scene. Heartwarming Christmas parties, chaotic downtown apartments, cold winter nights, and church interiors, are some of the themes of the stage transformations – all well-thought and crafted systems allowing characters to go up and down the stage smoothly even with acrobatic stunts. The theater room has an orchestra seat and a loge (balcony). As the stage is fully designed from the ground to almost top of the stage, and the nature of the scenes with dramatic lighting effects, the loge balcony may be better for those who want a more relaxing view. At first glance, the whole stage looks overwhelming from the loge, but gradually looks befittingly smaller after an hour of familiarizing with the stage. There were artificial snowdrops (winter scenes) in some scenes that reached the orchestra seats and maybe a bother to some. The detail in furniture and costumes successfully reminded us of the downtown blues. Overall the stage was creatively done, with minor possible improvements for consistency of audio and toning the visuals for the comfort of human eyes. 

The performance was a detailed drama. It was a courageous choice of story that covered themes such as struggles in the arts, sexuality, health stigma, housing conditions, dignity, employment, honest living, love, and other social issues. The personalities of the characters were outstandingly demonstrated by amazing actors. Each character had their limelight to emphasize their woes and capture audiences in the back seat. As exalting as the theme song “Seasons of Love” was presented, the themes of poverty and struggles can be too depressing for the casual audience who would expect entertainment on a weekend night.

The show gradually gets better throughout the hours. The audience can learn more about the story and deepen empathy for each character. The stage always amazes audiences with each change of scene. The performance was so convincing, making it a whirlwind of emotional connection. The show starts with the lead filmmaker and friends making their way through the ups and downs of the neighborhood. Audiences can relate to the sentiments of the dreamy cast: the friendship between the young male filmmaker and idealist male musician, the love between the idealist male musician and the female erotic dancer, the lesbian romance and their struggles for attention, the love for the sick partner, and angst of the impoverished neighbors. Costumes were cliché , making characters more distinct from each other on stage. The filmmaker with his English accent was memorable as well as his gentle heart. The male musician’s appeal was reflected in various approaches from women. The erotic dancer who struggles with existence was comforted by her erotic performances. The educated philosopher who fancied traditional jazz dance with the filmmaker entertained the audience with their fun-loving acts. The singer with her carefree nature and deep vocals performed on an outdoor stage reflective of her casual but natural talent. The landlord is a character that reminds us of the line between friendship and business.

How much can we care for our friends? How much can we accept our lover’s illness? How much love can we offer to our neighbors pressed with the challenges of living? How true can we sing our heart’s deepest desires? Does education match the love we yearn for? How does one respond minutes away from death?

Grab a breather by sharing how such a musical is worth watching. If you like stories of artists in downtown districts and what happens down there, then this can be a show for you.

The show runs on seven weekends at 3 PM and 8 PM until May 24, 2024. Reach your local ticketing offices for details.

Review: Abigail Ko

Photos: AXL Powerhouse

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