Rent pulls the plaudits

By Rebecca Fraser
FOUR Casey performers will take to the stage tonight in the opening performance of the smash hit musical Rent.
Performed at St Kilda’s National theatre, Rent is a modern musical addressing the theme of sexual awareness and tackling difficult issues such as AIDS, while also providing a wonderful character study of the human spirit battling against the odds.
Berwick dancers Melissa Quenette and Kate Zimmer, both 19, will perform in the dance ensemble, as will Narre Warren locals Peter Dennis and Patrick Hill.
Ms Quenette, a former St Francis Xavier College student, said she had been dancing for 16 years and had fallen in love with the musical.
“It is just so different to everything else as it deals with such modern issues,” she said.
The production is being presented by Stella Entertainment and Ms Quenette said the company was striving to put young and undiscovered talent under the spotlight.
Mr Hill said he was looking forward to their first performance and was keeping the opening night jitters at bay.
The talented 20yearold is studying performing arts at Monash University and is a former member of the Australian Boys Choir.
Rent’s choreographer is Roman Berry and Mr Hill said the dancing was fantastic.
“This is my first major production and I have learnt so much.
“It is a fantastic show. I love the music, the cast and the direction.
“ The choreographer is a genius,” he said.
Mr Dennis is also the understudy for one of the musical’s central characters, Angel. He said the character was a crossdresser and a fun role to play.
“He is one of the most endearing characters in the show,” he said.
Peter Fitzpatrick and Michael Coe direct the musical.
Mr Fitzpatrick is head of Performing Arts at Monash University and an AFI Award winner for his screen adaptation of the beloved Australian movie Hotel Sorrento.
Musical Direction is by Kevin Purcell.
For ticket details, call 1300 366 123.