This show was perfectly staged — super low-budg-style.  The entire production rested solely on the strength of the exuberant cast…I seriously could not find one weak link vocally or theatrically.  

     All the blocking and dancing focused on the ensemble as one fluid, connected being, or “Tribe,” as the playbill called it.  Their different contortions and the Bumble-and-Bumble-styled sculptures of hair mixing together never got boring.  And it was super…umm (embarrassed face)…arousing to watch the crazy positions and constantly flailing limbs!  Especially when everyone was naked.

     The arrangements were good, too; nothing too cheesy 70s wacka-chicka or Broadway horn-blasting.  It was more groove-based with really tasty percussion breaks and smooth classic R&B influences.

    I really felt the spirit of RENT during the show, especially given the extremely similar bare metal staircase set (read:  completely identical, save for a dressed-for-the-period onstage band and some stars painted on the wall.).  Even these visual similarities softly and subconsciously nudged me to note the parallels between both young, idealistic, misunderstood groups of starving fringe-kids who manage to find love and beauty even in a society that breeds hatred, inequality, and under-rug-swept national crises.  

     I mean, HAIR came way before RENT, but I think it’s a cyclical thing where the first one informed the second one, which then informed the first one’s revival.  Plus, both shows have capitalized four-letter titles.  Duuuude, far out…

    And, just like the original leads in RENT, these people are destined for bigger success.  My absolute favorite was miss Sasha Allen; her rendition of “Aquarius” was friggin magical, and her improv at the end of “Let The Sun Shine In” actually moved me to tears.  The girl is going to blow up fast, so go see her now before you have to pay $300 for seats at the Garden!  The soulful, understated performance by Caissie Levy as Sheila was also amazing, as was the searing swagger of Darius Nichols as Hud and Will Swenson’s raucous, amped-up man-child take on Berger.  

   Actually, Will Swenson and I had an “encounter” during the show.

   An usher had warned my mom not to sit at the end of the row, because the actors were going to come into the audience and “hug you!  And kiss you!  And touch you!”  Of course, I was game.

   So Mr. Swenson, a gorgeous, rugged-looking specimen of babely proportions, slowly came down my aisle, dancing and strutting and being really hot.  According to my mom, he took one look at me and knew I would play along.  

   Next thing I know, there’s suede-fringe-thonged Swenson crotch right in my face, thrusting out!  I cracked up laughing.  

   I didn’t hear him say this, but my mom swears he said “Want a banana Berger?!”  Yes, please…can I get whipped cream and a cherry with that?  ;)