Rent presented by NightBlue Performing Arts Company at Stage 773

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Victoria Caciopoli's overly fussy Mimi has some teeth (and talent) in there somewhere. And if Jonathan Hymen, who plays Mark, could break some of that chirpiness with emotional risk, his would be an interesting (and well-sung) take. There's significant talent elsewhere, too. You just want to sweep all the distractions away, including the second-rate choreography, and center the show around Newland's loving smile."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...What can seem simultaneously half-baked and overcooked in bigger productions comes off here—and in Puccini's original--as a chronicle of young dreamers storming life and, at every turn, finding themselves astonished by unexpected discoveries."

Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended

"...I'd imagine most Rentheads would enjoy this production, even if some have trouble adjusting their persistence of vision from the Grief staging. More importantly, though, this production ought to win new fans for the piece among those who found it too difficult to hear and follow in the Broadway and touring productions. Those who come to this piece as their first exposure to Rent will likely be blown away by the piece as it is performed here."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...The question for Rent now is, is it timeless? Will this musical endure as we trudge farther and farther away from the 1990’s? The answer remains to be seen: Rent is less than twenty years old, and it’s hot button issues of HIV/AIDS, homelessness and sexual liberty are as provocative in 2010 as they were when the musical opened. But with it’s decade specific soundtrack and aesthetic, it needs open minded theater-makers to keep it from becoming “Rent: The Totally 90’s Musical!” It needs companies like NightBlue, whose production of the show is respectful without being tied to the famous original production."