author: Lisa Standish
Entering Street Lamp Community Theatre is always a treat, but their current production of Rent takes their signature intimacy to a whole new level. The beauty of this venue lies in how the creative team transforms a modest space into a completely immersive experience. As you walk in, the set greets you with a surprisingly childlike quality—featuring a slide and scaffolding—that serves as a reminder that despite the heavy themes of the story, we must hold on to happy moments. With simple but evocative elements like chicken wire, graffiti, and a payphone that pays a subtle homage to “Jenny” and her famous number, every detail feels deliberate. Producer Laura Woods and Director Lyndie Moe have crafted a vision with a level of reality and intensity that many community theaters aspire to but rarely reach.
The technical and creative foundations of this show are remarkably strong. From the pre-show playlist that grounds you in the era to the club-like atmosphere created by the impressive lighting, everything feels purposeful. Behind the scenes, Stage Manager Julie Zampogna-Wehner is the glue holding these complex technical moving parts together, allowing Moe the creative freedom to focus entirely on her powerful directorial mission.
Stephanie Peterson’s choreography is a revelation; rather than traditional “everyone in a line” musical theater dancing, it is hypnotic and real, using tiny intricacies to establish character personalities. Peterson’s choreography prioritizes character-driven movement over synchronization, making every transition feel like a natural extension of the characters’ emotions. This is showcased in “Out Tonight,” where Cynthia Acevedo’s Mimi utilizes the entire stage—even belting while lying on her back—and during the high-energy “La Vie Bohème,” which features a show-stopping worm and cartwheel on the table by Natalie Hudson and Chase O’Neal.
The musical landscape of the show, curated by Music Director Jameson May, is nothing short of breathtaking. The vocal power May extracts from the cast fills every corner of the space, achieving a balance and harmonic richness rarely seen in community theater. Nowhere is this more evident than in “Seasons of Love,” where the ensemble’s blend is professional quality.
The cast is led by a group of performers who don’t just play these roles, they embody them. Brannon “Marshall” Marsh portrays Mark as wonderfully awkward, likable, and relatable, serving as the hopeful heart of the show. His physicality is on full display during “Tango: Maureen,” where he and Mileena Jackson (the perfect alpha-female Joanne) deliver a scene that is simultaneously funny and heartbreaking. Marsh’s vocals are strong whether in a solo or harmonizing with other cast members; he truly embodies Mark’s character.
Jacob Gross is stunning as Roger, delivering emotive and chilling vocals that make the character’s internal struggle feel raw. He shares palpable chemistry with Cynthia Acevedo, whose Mimi is a whirlwind of energy and desperation. Acevedo stays in character at all times, even when Mimi’s “dime bag” slipped down her shirt; her facial expressions are priceless. Acevedo’s “Out Tonight” showcases her vocal ability—belting with a rich, controlled tone even while lying flat on her back. Gross and Acevedo’s chemistry makes the “Light My Candle” scene feel both dangerous and sweet.
Dirk Carr’s Angel is beautiful and vulnerable, with a delicate singing voice that makes the audience fall instantly in love, and he shows his impressive range and playfulness during “Today 4 U.” Declan Bado brings a playful quality to Collins, establishing a believable “old friend” chemistry with Roger and Mark. As the haughty Benny, Brayden Piccolo-Klein plays the “douchebag friend” to perfection—one would never guess he is a new performer.
Then there is Pixie Burns as Maureen, whose infectious charisma and powerhouse vocals make a notoriously difficult character genuinely likable. Burns proved herself a true professional when a bench toppled mid-performance; she didn’t flinch, continuing to belt with total composure without missing a single beat. This tenacity carries into “Take Me or Leave Me,” where she and Mileena Jackson display electric chemistry. Their performance is a thrilling vocal duel—a masterclass in the give-and-take of power that leaves the audience breathless.
The ensemble of this production is truly one of the most excellent I have ever seen, with every performer staying deeply connected to the story at all times. Kalea Bray, Chris Zaczek, Chase O’Neal, Natalie Hudson, Tommy Moe, Sarah Paxton, Nick Cervino, and Anna Jones have created well-rounded characters who enhance the production. The ensemble’s voices are beautifully blended, supporting the soloists without ever overpowering them. Kalea Bray is a standout here, delivering soaring, soulful riffs that left the audience in awe. Natalie Hudson makes a lasting impression, using her facial expressions and body language to completely transform into each distinct character she played. The ensemble cast brings incredible depth to the production’s emotional peaks and valleys.
This production is a testament to the safe, inclusive culture Laura Woods has built at Street Lamp. It is a family-oriented environment where actors feel empowered to take risks and tackle modern, difficult classics with total vulnerability. By the time the cast reaches the final notes of “Without You,” the line between acting and reality has blurred. The cast ceases being actors and simply becomes the story.
Ultimately, this production of Rent reminds us that the size of the stage doesn’t matter when the performers are this talented. Street Lamp has proven that a black box theater in Cecil County can truly become the heart of New York City. While Jonathan Larson wrote this show in a different era, its message of finding light in the dark and fighting against hatred remains incredibly poignant today. It is a production filled with heart, passion, and a reminder to measure our lives in love.
Running Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission
Rent plays through May 17th 2026 with Street Lamp Community Theatre— 5 Valley View Drive in Rising Sun, MD. For tickets call the box office at (410) 658-5088 or purchase them online.
