9Works Theatrical’s ‘Rent’ colourfully paints the New York City bohemian life with HIV/AIDS awareness at the front and centre

The musical’s titular song, Rent, perfectly sets the tone of the entire show. Paired with the cast’s optimistic and energetic choreography, the much-awaited musical production captivates the audience—including those who haven’t seen it before—into this upbeat conversation considered taboo in the Eighties.

While the characters were considered outcasts for the time—often seen as delinquents and junkies afflicted by an incurable disease—the audience won’t see them as that. I believe this iteration hammered down on that through PJ Rebullida’s choreography, Daniel Bartolome’s musical direction and Mio Infante’s scenography. The 2024 production managed to really illustrate what it’s like to be a struggling New Yorker in the dawn of the Nineties. It’s as if the rebel within us was awakened, and we began to crave that way of life—to know what it was like to be in their shoes. This is not to romanticise poverty but rather to look at what bohemia is at its core. These people know how to have fun despite what little they have. They lived life to the fullest because it was all they had, and it was beautiful. 

Also see: Why ‘Rent’ is still relevant to today’s audiences

This production’s cast showed remarkable range in their vocals and performances. Every emotion—joy, sadness, fear, or desperation—was well displayed, further reinforcing that these people aren’t merely vagabonds. They’re so much more than that—people living on society’s margins, needing care, attention, and empathy. 

Another thing that deserves praise is the stage design. Three stories high of scaffolding and adorned with LED lights, the set is mesmerising to look at. Comparing it to previous iterations—even Broadway—this is the most visually appealing. Upon first glance, it’s as if you’ve been transported to the dilapidated industrial apartment where Mark, Roger, and Collins live. It sets the atmosphere of a cold environment and can be vibrant. Instances of this were before Seasons of Love when the set was illuminated with rainbow colours, associated with the LGBTQIA+ community. Another remarkable scene was during the song Will I? when members of the Life Support group were scattered around different sections of the scaffolding. Each section would slowly light up, highlighting who was singing and emphasising their struggle with HIV/AIDS.

Technical difficulties were present within the preview show, but it emphasised the versatility of actors Reb Atadero and Anthony Rosaldo. When their microphones malfunctioned during their songs, the two seamlessly integrated getting closer to their partners’ microphones into their choreography to use for their own. The actors did it flawlessly in a way that didn’t interrupt blocking and the song’s flow. Not once did they break character or attempt to fix the issue subtly—all it took was smooth movement and confidence. 

Read also: Missed Theatre Titas’ ‘Twenty Questions’ last year? It returns this April

Just like how 9Works Theatrical’s Tick…Tick…Boom! had a special surprise for audiences—with the entire set collapsing in on itself to illustrate Jon’s broken state of mind—Rent has something reserved that wasn’t in any previous iteration. 9Works Theatrical has made it their unspoken rule to have something bold to show with every performance they hold, and spoiling it in an article would rob you of the experience. I can only urge viewers to see it for themselves as it really is a sensational bombshell.

Rent is widely considered Larson’s magnum opus and has been adapted numerous times worldwide. Many attribute their love for theatre to this musical, and 9Works Theatrical did us all justice by delivering an exceptional production with even more outstanding cast members. Every show will mix and match actors, and it’s never the same permutation twice, so it’s exciting to see how different the chemistry will be on stage. 

RENT runs every weekend until June 1 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza. You can get your tickets at ticket2me.net.

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