Naomi Bautista

Fairfax High School

Colgan High School’s production of "Rent: School Edition" invited the audience to “viva la vie bohème” with a larger than life cast and no qualms approach to this Tony award-winning show.

"Rent" shook the theatre scene in 1996, with an unprecedented rock score by Jonathan Larson and the story of struggling young artists finding a way to overcome AIDS, drug use, and the death of a friend, while finding love and their individual voices. Colgan’s production was filled with passionate, joyous energy while handling each sensitive topic with care.

The group of ragtag bohemian artists was brought to life by Mark (Josh Starzyk) who shone with a wide emotional range, from his goofy, almost lewd performance in "Tango Maureen" to heartbreaking frustration and loneliness in "What You Own." Starzyk’s ability to make big acting choices without fear endeared him to the audience with his use of body language to build relationships with those around him and his captivating, hilarious energy in "La Vie Bohème."

From the moment she climbed on a table for her performance of "Over the Moon," Danielle Serrano-Bremer (Maureen) commanded attention with a larger-than-life stage presence and vocal versatility that had the audience cheering. With her comedic timing and pure charisma, Serrano-Bremer filled the stage with her uproariously funny energy, playing up the dynamic energy between her and Joanne (Julia Sapack). Her consistent powerhouse vocals proved that “this diva needs her stage.” In contrast to Maureen and Mark, Mimi (Isabella McDonald) had a grounding presence with her sexy, sultry sass, an instant but realistic attraction to Roger (Taylor Reiter), and a heartbreaking struggle with AIDS and drugs, to the point of leaving the audience in tears during "Without You."

Rounding out the group, Angel (Desirae Brown) was uplifting with dance moves and obvious affection for Collins (Jeremiah Gates). The genuine connection between these two melted hearts and offered a juxtaposition to the conflicted relationships in the show.

The Homeless ensemble gave the show a sense of community and their unique personalities added some much-needed levity. The sense of unity in the Act Two opener, "Seasons of Love," was show stopping, featuring impressive runs by soloist Paja Clark and gorgeous, complex harmonies from the whole cast. Colgan’s stage never felt empty, and energy permeated each moment, whether it be an intimate silence, or a fun, raunchy riot.

The sound mix allowed each of the ensemble members' voices to shine in all their harmonious glory. Costumes (designed by Julia Sapack, Elaina Turgeon and Casey Williams) channeled the 90s grunge, while adding to each individual's character development. In particular, the change from the fun, brightly colored pieces to more somber, subdued outfits helped convey the mood of each scene. Scene transitions were crisp and well done, a testament to the excellent stage management of Autumn Parrish (assisted by Kenzi Forbes, Katie Olsen and Riley Russian).

Delivering on a truly brave undertaking, Colgan High School’s "Rent" was filled to the brim with a bohemian spirit that highlighted that the best way to measure life is in love.

Kat Pascual

Fairfax High School

How do you write a perfect song? Write a perfect script? Right a rocky relationship? Measure a year? Colgan High School’s phenomenal production of "Rent: School Edition" transported its audience to the grimy yet vibrant streets of the East Village in the 1990s to answer those questions with one word: love.

With its grungy rock score and unique perspectives, Jonathan Larson’s "Rent" changed the landscape of the American musical forever. Debuting on Broadway in 1996 to critical success, "Rent" chronicles the story of a group of friends in New York City as they navigate through life, love, and loss all while the HIV/AIDS epidemic rages throughout their community.

As a cultural touchstone and a show with prevalent mature themes, tackling "Rent" at the high school level is no easy task, but the students of Colgan High School met the challenge with care and magnetism. Throughout the production, a sense of tangible camaraderie between all the actors rippled out from the stage in both irreverent odes to the bohemian life and heartfelt displays of the persistence of community.

With camera in hand and palpable excitement, Josh Starzyk’s portrayal of Mark illuminated the stage. Starzyk carried an electrifying and bubbly presence throughout the show that almost never ceased. However, Starzyk’s animated expressions did not stunt the ability to showcase a truthful, grounded care and tenderness in touching scenes between Mark and his friends. Not only did Starzyk show great emotional versatility, but the actor’s vocals also were fantastic, especially considering the tough rock score. Similarly, Isabella McDonald as Mimi displayed an emotive, crystal-clear singing voice even while climbing through the scaffolding of the set or hunched over in pain. McDonald’s ability to work alongside fellow actors shone in scenes opposite her lover, Roger (Taylor Reiter). Reiter and McDonald carefully crafted the evolution of a relationship with a genuine and caring touch as they shared raw moments of both excited love and heartbroken anguish in loud confrontations and quiet instances.

Further filling out the group of friends were Danielle Serrano-Bremer and Jeremiah Gates as Maureen and Collins respectively. Serrano-Bremer captivated the audience from the moment a glimpse could be caught of her cow-print pants. Taking center stage in an absurdist number about jumping over the moon, Serrano-Bremer demanded attention through inexhaustible yet strong, sustained notes and impeccable comedic timing that left the audience literally moo-ing along. While Serrano-Bremer provided many laughs, Gates pulled out tears with the gut-wrenching performance of “I’ll Cover You (Reprise)” as he sang about the death of his lover. Gates provided a much needed grounded-ness and delicacy that complemented the chaotic energy of the rest of the group, especially when with his partner, Angel (Desirae Brown).

Ensuring the smooth run of the show was Colgan’s incredible technical lineup. With almost flawless proficiency, the stage management team (Autumn Parrish, Riley Russian, Katie Olsen, Kenzi Forbes) demonstrated skillful transitions from cue to cue in the midst of the constant movement on stage. Furthermore, the sound crew (Mia Navarro, Kenzi Forbes, Max Dunick) enhanced the sweeping harmonies of the actors on stage through their ability to mix the numerous vocalists into one triumphant, beautiful noise.

However you choose to measure a year, Colgan High School’s astounding production of Rent was clearly measured with dedication, talent, and of course, love.