Encore’s “Rent” Has It All

In the third musical of Encore’s 2025-26 season, Director Matt Bogart envisioned immersing the audience in 1989 New York City – and with Rent he has incorporated the good, the bad & the ugly. This production includes equal parts raunchy, tender, defiant, loving, angry and anxious. It highlights life in NYC in the 1980’s & 90’s. At its very core, Rent is a story about love and friendships and what people have to do to survive when the haves set to destroy the have-nots.

Rent premiered at the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway in 1996 for a twelve-year run. The script, music and lyrics were written by Jonathon Larson. In Bogart’s director’s notes, he wrote – “we began with a question that felt both historical and immediate: NYC in 1989 … was a world in tension, an epidemic devastatingly moving through bodies and intimate relationships, while systems of power and gentrification rose overhead, compressing entire communities out of existence.” Those themes permeated every aspect of this production.

Ze’ev Barmor, Sam O’Neill & ensemble. Photo by Michele Anliker.

Choreography has always been an important part of Rent. Encore recruited noted Broadway choreographer Alex Mitchell to recreate the magic. Incorporating dances from the 80’s & 90’s, Mitchell developed a visually stunning array of suggestive and authentic stage dance and movements. The cast featured professional actors and students from the UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) who blended together in near continuous motion. One featured dance included Ze’ev Barmor (Mark Cohen) and Zee Happonen (Joanne) dancing the tango in a fun sequence.

Daniela Rodriguez Del Bosque as Mimi & Sam O’Neill as Roger. Photo by Michele Anliker.

There are no “lead” characters in Rent. Rather, every member of the cast shares in telling the story. Ze’ev Barmor portrayed Roger’s roommate Mark Cohen. Zee Happonen was captivating as Joanne Jefferson. She combined comedic and dramatic acting to dominate every scene she appeared in. Her voice was other-worldly with every note she sang. Every musical needs an antagonist and Jason Tyler Smith as Benny filled that role with a menacing flair. The only thing missing was the scary music playing in the background every time he walked on stage.

Ze’ev Barmor, Jason Tyler Smith as Tom Collins, Sophia Leverett, & Sam O’Neill & ensemble. Photo by Michele Anliker.

Jamaur Houston, a first-year student at UM-SMTD was absolutely stunning in his role as Angel. Whether playing a cross-dressing entertainer or everyone’s favorite friend, he brought a genuine quality to his character which was so easy to love. Houston could sing. He could dance. He flirted and teased. Angel became the character everyone loved. It was these qualities that defined the most dramatic scene in the production.

Jamaur Houston as Angel & Melvin Tunstall III as Tom Collins. Photo by Michele Anliker.

Jamaur Houston as Angel. Photo by Michele Anliker.

Rent was created to be a Rock Musical. Under the direction of R. Mackenzie Lewis, conductor and keyboards, the five-piece orchestra provided the perfect blend of rock music that filled the theatre with guitar riffs and drum solos. There were moments when the production felt like being at a rock concert. The actors sang heart-felt ballads then kicked into high gear and rocked & rolled with the best. Listening to the company sing the songs “Rent,” “Support Group,” “On the Street,” “Christmas Bells,” “Seasons of Love,” “Contact” and the finale was worth the price of admission.

Elle Michaels (Maureen Johnson) was delightful singing “Over the Moon” as well as her duet with Happonen singing “Take Me or Leave Me.” Fresh from his performance in the Stevie Wonder Tribute Concert, Chris Joseph, along with Jason Tyler Smith, dance captain Mackenzie Crawford, Sophia Leverett, Chase Ra’mel Phillips, Bella Chauny, Cody Dent and Isabella Prutter added so much vocal depth as the ensemble.

Cast of Encore’s production of Rent. Photo by Michele Anliker.

Sarah Tanner designed a set that was both functional and symbolic. A ladder doubled as the Christmas Tree. Christmas lights were hanging as a reminder of a festive time when life wasn’t so festive. Overhead, white Christmas lights remained illuminated throughout the show, a constant reminder of corporate America constant presence in the lives of the people struggling to get by. Lighting was designed by Rachael Lauren which effectively highlighted the changing moods of the scenes.

Costume design by Matthew Eggers highlighted the life of folks who were down and out as well as the flamboyant dress of Angel and the temptress dressed in black leather. Costumes and lighting just added to the fun.

Rent has something for everyone. Director Bogart’s concept for this production is firing on all cylinders. It is can’t miss entertainment. I give it two thumbs up.

Rent runs now through May 3^rd at the Encore Musical Theatre Company, located at 7714 Ann Arbor St. Dexter. Tickets can be purchased at theencoretheatre.org or by calling (734) 268-6200.