Recently, my family and I saw a production of Rent at the Maine State Theater in Brunswick. A musical, written by Jonathan Larson, Rent is about a group of artists and musicians living on the fringe in NYC. The dialectic plot presents characters pursuing a life true to their bohemian values and the inevitable need for money to eat and – yes – pay the rent.
Each of the main characters in this inspiring, heartbreaking and spirit-raising play becomes caught in the undertow of reality that threatens their idealism. This story line connected all the characters but in none more so than in Mimi.
Rylee Doiron, an extraordinary actress raised in western Maine, portrayed the 19-year-old Mimi whose personal choices to indulge in hapless pleasures resulted in life-changing events. Mimi’s story illustrates how rapidly one’s life circumstances can turn for the worse, while also insisting there is hope even in the most desperate of times.
Mimi’s character is both deprave and abounding with integrity and love. This duality exemplifies the pronounced perspective on the roles she and her community feel forced to play in order to capitalize on resources for survival. Yet, from their personal failings and interpersonal wreckage emerges a collective spirit, an understanding that We are the sum total of all of our experiences, good and bad and as the song “No Day But Today” explains; there is no time for regret. (Give it a listen here.)
KUDOS: Rylee Doiron’s performance was riveting, uplifting, hot and cool. One has to wonder how a small town girl could have played the part so genuinely. Without taking away from the innate and learned depth of her craft, I must too tip my hat to her parents. As a parent of a young performing artist, my wife and I feel heartened by the way the Doiron’s support of their daughter has helped her realize such an amazing career.
Thank you for a most memorable night of theater!
– By Eric, Lena, Jake and Madi Rutberg of Wilton.
