Manhattan Strip Clubs: THEATER REVIEW: Bay Colony makes good on ‘Rent’
Michael DiMascolo as Tom Collins and Albert Jennings as Angel are simply amazing as a gay couple finding love after each has contracted AIDS. DiMascolo provides a passionate, rich baritone while Jennings, a heartening and expressive tenor (“I’ll Cover You”). Their character’s relationship is a joy. Angel (Jennings) steals the show early on, singing, dancing and drumming to “Today 4 U.” And, Collins (DiMascolo) grabs it back late with the heartbreaking “I’ll Cover You – Reprise.”
Kevin Hanley as Roger and Jess Andra as Mimi provide the most central relationship in “Rent.” Both their characters and their performances gain momentum as the show progresses. Roger is Mark’s roommate, an ex junkie and an aspiring songwriter. He’s afraid of falling in love, especially with Mimi, a drug-abusing stripper. Hanley and Andra build heat in Act I (“Light My Candle” and “Out Tonight”) before exploding with emotion (“Without You”) in Act II.