Mazuroski gives his cast every opportunity to shine. It’s a production where you’re riveted to the main action, but there is something just as compelling happening in the margins. The multiple levels provided some unique staging opportunities and multiple focal points. Ellen Licitra’s lighting design frequently demanded attention, such as the way the beams of light caught the haze on stage during “What You Own.” The only miscue was the lights were too bright and washed out the screen during the brief scene where Mark shows some of the footage he’s shot with his camera. The most striking element is a circular stained glass piece that looms over the stage like a multi-colored moon. Three levels of scaffolding filled the Powers stage, adorned with graffiti covered backdrops painted by local artist Sam Perry. If there is a professional production of “Rent” on tour right now, it can’t have a more impressive set than the one designed by Matthew Mazuroski, who also directed the musical. There is a wealth of talent involved, both on stage and behind the scenes. Stambaugh Association and the Youngstown Symphony Society, and the result is a prime example of what is possible through collaboration. The staging is presented by Youngstown Playhouse, Opera Western Reserve, the Henry H. In that way, it’s appropriate that the production that opened Thursday at Powers Auditorium brings together so many different factions of the Mahoning Valley arts community.
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