Much to my surprise, Rent won me over in a way even the 2005 movie version, which featured most of the original cast members, could not.

It's not that director Stephen Nachamie's version is any better produced, frankly, though in general it holds up fine.  Mike Spee is perfect as Mark, and the posters rightfully feature Juan Torres-Falcón's graceful work as Angel.  Katin Jacobs-Lake reprises her role of Mimi straight from a production in Tacoma.  She's certainly heroin-chic enough for the part and moves well, though articulation issues made it difficult to make out her lyrics, at least on opening night.  Jarvis Green is well cast and compelling as Tom Collins, Angel's anarchist lover, but he had trouble finding his pitch at various points in the evening.  Amateur rights for Rent just became available last April, and it's obvious Capital Playhouse was excited to pounce on the material.

I enjoyed the show. Read my full review here.

[Capital Playhouse, Rent, through April 3, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.2744]