By Orya Hyde-Keller
Denver City Search
October 25, 2000

Paying the Rent
Inspired by Puccini's "La Boheme," "Rent" follows a group of young artists in New York City's East Village. Various characters inhabit this extended family, each coping with the need to pay rent, fulfill their vocations and put their lives on a firm foundation. At the center of the group are Roger and Mimi, both HIV-positive and afraid of love and life.

Opening Night
"Rent" lives up to to its stellar reputation, delivering an entertaining and illuminating commentary on the '90s. Shaun Earl, fresh from Broadway, plays a convincing and outrageous Angel, a transvestite with a heart of gold who's dying from HIV. Understudy Curtis Cregan carefully plays the role of Mark, an aspiring filmmaker. Perhaps a bit too carefully, though—sometimes Cregan doesn't seem big enough to fill the role that holds the play together. Maggie Benjamin is captivating as Maureen, the sexy, not so talented performance artist—at one point on opening night she got the entire audience to moo. Overall, all the characters create a powerful performance. Unfortunately, their beautiful voices are often drowned out by the adept, but painfully loud band.