I was wooed by the RENT cast last night at the Durham Performing Arts Center. They put on a hell of a show despite performing in front of a somewhat sparse audience. Yesterday’s wicked winter weather prompted DPAC officials to let ticket holders swap out seats for another performance (with the caveat that they may not receive as good of seats the second time around). I would later find out that the gesture was just one of several examples of the DPAC staff providing excellent customer service (but more on that in another paragraph).

RENT

I first saw RENT in the late ’90s at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. I was in high school and the edgy musical wedged its way into my heart. I bought the soundtrack and memorized the songs, pretending I was each of the characters when I belted out the lyrics. Years have passed since I broke out the soundtrack, but it all came back to me last night (and luckily for my date, I chose to only sing them in my head). I had not seen a performance of the musical since, and I was happy the cast (which includes three original Broadway cast members) didn’t disappoint. I don’t feel comfortable critiquing the show like mad because I probably would have loved it even if half the cast were off-key and stood still. But I can assure you that the cast was incredibly dynamic and energetic. (Guys if your girlfriend drags you to the show, just wait for Mimi’s performance of “Out Tonight” in her electric blue liquid lycra pants).

DPAC

Tuesday was opening night for RENT, and the debut Broadway performance at the DPAC (which will also bring Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde and the Color Purple to town). The venue, which is the largest indoor theatre in the Carolinas, is gorgeous. I toured it during the public open house, but the experience is entirely different when there’s a show going on.

I was most impressed with the staff. Despite the freezing temperatures, we were greeted by a doorman in a top hat who warmly welcomed us into the theatre. The staff member charged with directing women into open bathroom stalls offered to hold glasses of wine and programs for women waiting to use the bathroom. At least three ushers sweetly and sincerly thanked us for coming. At a time when it feels like customer service is fading, it was refreshing to experience service that’s better than what I consider acceptable (have I mentioned I’m a huge customer service freak?).

Here’s a video from my November tour of the theatre:

RENT runs through Jan. 25 and there are still tickets available! Also, for my fellow Tweeple, you can find @DPAC on Twitter.