Most “Rentheads” in Chicago probably thought they’d never get the chance to see “Rent” ever again with its original Broadway cast members. Now, for a limited time, they can. Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp and Gwen Stewart have all rejoined the cast while on its current national tour that can be seen here in Chicago at Oriental Theatre from March 31-April 12^th.  

Written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, “Rent” is a musical that takes place in New York’s Alphabet City and deals with a group of friends in which some are stricken with AIDS. Though presenting a heavy subject matter, the show has plenty of humor and fantastic music while promoting the importance being there for one another. Socially “taboo” subjects like drug use and homosexuality are brought to the forefront, but the idea of loving someone for who they are is the central theme.    

Pascal and Rapp, who also starred in the film version of “Rent”, jumped into their past roles of “Roger Davis” and “Mark Cohen” as though they never took a break. Thunderous applause broke out as the two took the stage almost by surprise with the house lights still turned on. Singing as though from the soundtrack recording, Pascal was flawless, showing off his prevalent rock star voice and displaying great range in songs like “One Song Glory” and “Another Day”. Rapp, too, was perfect from his voice to every subtle mannerism he exhibited that truly makes him “Mark” – including his quirky dance moves during “La Vie Boheme”. Pascal and Rapp’s duet of the upbeat “What You Own” was one of the show’s brightest spots as the two performed it with the aptness expected of the seasoned veterans. Gwen Stewart also received her kudos from the audience when she hit her high notes during the ensemble’s presentation of “Seasons of Love”.

A very strong cast surrounded Pascal, Rapp and Stewart. Baritone Michael McElroy played a heartwarming “Tom Collins”. It was nice to see the touring cast go back to a baritone after using a tenor for the role last time the musical came to Chicago. Nicolette Hart was very funny as “Maureen Johnson” and showed the audience a nice range and a tone very reminiscent of Idina Menzel, who played the role originally. As with any production of “Rent” it is key to cast a convincing - and lovable - “Angel”, and this one was no exception as they brought in Justin Johnston, who had the flair and voice needed to pull off the character with seemingly ease. Johnston’s dance-filled performance of “Today 4 U” immediately won over show goers and his chemistry with McElroy was genuine as evidenced when the two sang “I’ll Cover You”.     

Then there was “Mimi Marquez” played radiantly by Lexi Lawson. Again, well cast, as Lawson was quick to dominate the role in her first big opening number “Light My Candle” a song she shares with Pascal in which the two first meet. She also provoked big cheers throughout the house while performing the sexy number “Out Tonight” first set in a strip club in which she gracefully dances on a railing then slowly makes her way down a flight of stairs, before making her way to “Roger’s” apartment. Lawson was effective in bringing a sadness to her character, but also the longing to love whereas the confused relationship between “Mimi” and the gun-shy “Roger” worked very well, especially when the two teamed up in “I Should Tell You”.

Barring the original Broadway show, this is about the best production of “Rent” fans can possibly hope to see. Hopefully, Rapp, Pascal and Stewart will keep working with the touring cast for the next few years, but who knows what the future holds. Now’s your chance to see it – and you should – “Renthead” or not.