author: Lisa Standish
It is a special treat to watch a community theater production where the love for the craft is palpable from the moment you walk in. Phoenix Festival Theatre’s current production of Rent, running now through June 14th at the Chesapeake Theater, is a vibrant, visually stunning testament to the talent in our community. Under the spectacular vision of co-directors and choreographers Bambi and Eyvo Johnson, this production feels both fresh and deeply respectful of the source material.
One of the most striking elements of this staging is the deliberate use of color, texture, and height within the set design; this creates a visually dynamic environment that grounds the story perfectly. This aesthetic is bolstered by the deliberate use of the color red woven throughout the production. In their director’s notes, the Johnsons explain, “This design choice serves as a subtle reminder of the AIDS epidemic that profoundly impacted the community portrayed in Rent. The color red symbolizes those characters living with AIDS, highlighting both the visibility and invisibility of the disease at that time.” It is a powerful, poignant choice that adds a layer of emotional weight to every scene. Coupled with Bob Denton’s stunning lighting design, which truly shines during intimate moments like “Light My Candle” and the clever, evocative use of flashlights, the production is a feast for the eyes.
The creative team has truly outdone themselves in making this version feel unique. The show’s dancier, original approach to the choreography is moving and powerful, never distracting from the narrative. Special credit goes to costumers Brenda Kinzinger and Joyce Williams, who brought the characters to life with such authentic flair. Rob Tucker’s portrayal of Mark is wonderfully awkward and brings a grounded sense of reality to the story. His use of live-streamed video footage helps bridge the gap between stage and audience; it makes viewers feel like part of the show when the fourth wall is breached. His chemistry with Tigga Smaller’s Joanne is a definite highlight, as they work exceptionally well together, particularly during their performance of “Tango Maureen.”
The performances are strong across the board. Josh Starkey is raw and powerful as Roger, beautifully portraying his internal struggle to rejoin the world, while Hannah Kries brings a heartbreaking sweetness to Mimi that reminds us of her character’s tragic youth. Kyle Shelton is an absolute joy as Angel, delivering a “Today for You” that is both vocally beautiful and physically infectious. Andrew Worthington is a standout as Collins, and his performance is deeply moving; his chemistry with Shelton is perfect, and his voice is nothing short of incredible, particularly during his chilling rendition of the “I’ll Cover You Reprise.”  When paired with the powerhouse vocals of Molly McVicker as Maureen and the nuanced, complex performance of Pat Collins as Benny, the cast creates a rich tapestry of characters. Beyond the leads, the entire ensemble deserves immense credit; they provide the essential energy and grit that anchors the production, filling the stage with life and bringing an undeniable depth to every ensemble sequence. Dave Tramontana’s music direction is spot on, coaxing beautiful harmonies from such a large group, with “Seasons of Love” providing the kind of vocal intensity that hits you right in the heart.
If there is a critique to be made, it is that the production sometimes leans so heavily into its technical perfection that a bit of the raw, messy passion written into the script occasionally feels smoothed over; a few of the actors could lean further into the vulnerability of their characters’ lived experiences. Additionally, the sound mix was occasionally a challenge, with the volume of the music frequently being overpowered by the strength of the cast’s vocals. This was a particular issue during ensemble numbers but, given that the Chesapeake Theater is a new space, it is likely that these sound balance issues are simply a work in progress that the team is actively addressing.
Ultimately, this is a production the entire team should be incredibly proud of. It is so engaging and well-executed that I found myself struggling to look away even to take notes. Whether it is the stunning, heartbreaking blocking of Angel’s death or the genuine chemistry between the leads, there is so much heart to be found here. I highly encourage you to catch this show at the Chesapeake Theater before it closes on June 14th; it is a heartfelt, original, and deeply moving experience that celebrates the very best of local theater. As the company reminds us, “There is no day but today.”
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission
Rent plays through June 14th 2026 with Phoenix Festival Theatre in the Chesapeake Theater at Harford Community College— 401 Thomas Run Road in Bel Air, MD. For tickets call the box office at 443-412-2211 or purchase them in advance online.
