Rent causes squirms and dancing

“Rent”

Through February 8

Heinz Hall

(412) 392-4900

… “Rent”

Through February 8

Heinz Hall

(412) 392-4900

Not everyone knew what they were getting themselves into on the opening night of “Rent” at Heinz Hall. Some people squirmed uncomfortably and scrunched up their noses as they watched the story unfold.

First off, this was not their traditional musical. The loud rock music coming from the stage made that clear. Next, they watched in horror as the two main characters, Mark and Roger, explained how they lost their girlfriends — Mark’s ex took off with — gasp — another woman, and Roger’s girlfriend committed suicide after learning she had AIDS. Finally, a transvestite named Angel pranced on stage in a dangerously short skirt and almost sent them into shock. Surprisingly, they made it through the entire show without fainting.

True, “Rent” is not for everyone. Jonathan Larson held nothing back in his script full of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. But it must be doing something right to continue selling out after eight years on Broadway. That “something” is the edginess that “Rent” brings to the traditional idea of what a musical is.

The show tackles tough themes like drugs, AIDS and death, but the tone remains upbeat for almost the entire two and a half hours. Certain songs are full of so much energy that you find yourself dancing discreetly in your seat. During “Tango Maureen,” Mark and his ex-girlfriend’s new lover, Joanne, strut back and forth on stage while exchanging tips and jabs on the absent Maureen. In “La Vie Boheme,” the cast references Pee Wee Herman and the Sex Pistols. Does it get any better than that?

“Rent” prides itself on not having “stars” in the show, and instead showcases up-and-coming young talent. The current roster of talent ranges from obscenely gifted to mediocre. When the cast sings as one, they sound phenomenal, but when the spotlight shines on one or two actors, you begin to see some flaws.

Constantine Maroulis’ version of Roger was vocally disappointing as his gruff look and rock star sound clashed with the character (Maroulis is a rock star in real life, and you can check out his band, Pray for the Soul of Betty, this weekend at Nick’s Fat City and Hard Rock Cafe). Collins (Marcus Paul James) and Benny (Daryl C. Brown) both have impressive and powerful voices, while Mark (Brian Gilgor) and Angel (Damien DeShaun Smith) left something to be desired with their meek voices. It was actually one of the minor characters who received the most resounding approval from the audience. Jeannette Bayardelle played a small part as a homeless woman but hit a note so big during “Seasons of Love,” that she had people applauding well before she was finished.

Despite some hit-or-miss cast members, the story of “Rent” remains the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece it’s been for the past eight years. You’ll laugh, maybe cry, and, yes, you might even squirm a little. But you’ll definitely enjoy.