This tribute show to the titular composer is a must for musical theatre aficionados. With a revival of Larson’s smash hit, Rent, coming soon, the timing is spot on for perfecting your knowledge and picking up trivia. There are numbers from shows never staged and numbers dropped from those that were. Songs written for competitions, cabarets and reviews, and some pop songs too. This packed show offers plenty.
Conceived by Jennifer Ashley Tepper, the selection is varied, the biographical detail light. Each number is energetically directed by John Simpkins, aided by Taylor Walker’s movement direction and Sam Biondolillo’s lighting design. Little unites the show apart from Larson. That’s not necessarily a problem; there is a satisfying distance between the “project” and jukebox biographies.
Unfortunately, the quality is inconsistent. There are strong songs that show the writer’s vision. But too much is included for the sake of interest. You might enjoy the anger on offer from Larson the tyro. You could even make a claim for prescient satire (there’s a song about a 2076 presidential race, and plenty to say about consumerism). But not a lot of humour lands. The rare chance to hear these songs is welcome, but the ratio of those you want to hear again isn’t great.
What ensures success is the quintet of strong performers. Marcus Collins, Max Harwood, Natalie Kassanga, Michael Mather and Imelda Warren-Green all sound great. They make the most of the songs they get to lead. Warren-Green has a great time with ‘Bring on the Booze‘ and shows skill with a very tricky Sondheim-style song. Harwood is particularly well cast for angsty numbers like ‘Rhapsody‘. And even if the material isn’t strong—just too generic or try-hard—Collins and Mather bring great stage presence, while Kassanga makes everything sound stunning.
Highlights arrive when the group focuses on performing together, improving the songs by combining their voices under the skilful musical direction of Livi Van Warmelo. Which makes sense. After all, the choral numbers are the best part of Rent. It’s confirmation like this that fans love, and nice for the rest of us too. So is the show just for theatre buffs? Yes…but only just.
Until 22 August 2026
Photo by Danny Kaan