by Johnathan Larson
Signature Theatre 2021
Director: Matthew Gardiner; Choreographer: Rickey Tripp; Music Direction: Mark G Meadows; Scenic Design: Paige Hathaway; Costume Design: Erik Teague; Lighting Design: Adam Honore; Sound Design: Ryan Hickey
“Gardiner approaches “Rent” with such inventive elan that the production stands as a joyous opening act for his own leadership run — and reinforces the notion honed over his many years of directing at Signature that he’s an outstanding steward of the American musical.”- Peter Marks, Washington Post
“Matthew Gardiner and company are giving us a wonderful theatrical experience complete with a superb cast and production elements. If you only know the original staging, you need to see this production. If you are a first time Rent virgin, you need to see this production. You'll be "Over The Moon" for sure.”- BroadwayWorld
“Staged in semi-immersive fashion by Signature artistic director Matthew Gardiner, the production transmits the urgency of youthful drive and ambition amidst dire circumstances, a quality that propels the La Bohème-inspired story, and certainly connects these ’90s characters and their travails to the present-day… These characters’ voices still ring true, and their songs still move an audience from their hearts to their tapping feet. The bonds of chosen family, rendered persuasively onstage and felt in the very atmosphere of the building, still light the candle of community that makes a theater feel like home.”- Metro Weekly