RENT el Musical at Teatro Fernán Gómez in Madrid offers an experience defined by its spectacular ensemble work and memorable highlights, even as it struggles with consistency in its central relationships.
Review of RENT el Musical
From the moment I settled into the theater’s remarkably comfortable seating (they feel like Lazy Boy recliners!), the atmosphere felt appropriately intimate. Performers warm up behind the downstage scrim before the show, with one even sitting with feet dangling off the stage apron, while musicians are visible on downstage right and left.
These choices effectively break down the fourth wall and invite the audience into the bohemian world before a note is even sung.
However, this Spanish adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s Puccini-inspired rock musical takes time to find its footing.
The opening ten minutes or so feel uncertain to me, lacking the energy and urgency RENT demands
It is “Tango: Maureen”, the playful duet between Mark and Joanne (Luis Maesso and Begoña Álvarez), that awakens me from the seated slump I didn’t realize I was in. Their humorous commiserating showcased a theatrical bond that had been somewhat lacking beforehand.
RENT el Musical‘s greatest strength lies in its ensemble, which is consistently spectacular throughout.
Whether in the Life Support scenes, the chaotic celebration of “La Vie Bohème” (which closes Act 1 with collaborative defiant energy), or the protest moments, the ensemble creates a vibrant, committed community that embodies the show’s themes of found family and collective struggle.
Maureen’s “Over the Moon” performance art piece is another highlight, with Carla Pulpón delivering the provocative solo with just the right mix of chaos and charm, albeit just a tad too long.
Her callout of King Felipe VI – who was actually seated in the theatre with the rest of the immediate royal family – earned both laughs and cheers from the Madrid audience.
Mimi (Candela Camacho) emerges as a vocal powerhouse with commanding stage presence, but this strength paradoxically exposes one of the production’s central weaknesses.
Roger’s (Pascual Laborda) emotional arc fails to read; but from only one viewing, it is hard to pinpoint the cause.
Is it lack of chemistry which undermines the central love story with Mimi and foundational friendship with Mark, two of the anchoring relationships in RENT’s narrative?
Or is it the adaptation to a different language that leaves some of the scenes feeling flat?
In stark contrast, Angel and Collins’ affection for each other reads beautifully throughout. Their story provides the production’s heart-wrenching core, culminating in a stunning performance by Tiago Barbosa of “I’ll Cover You (Reprise)” after Angel’s (Adrián Amaya) death. This devastating moment is delivered with raw, heartbreaking power, proving what the production can achieve when the performers authentically connect.
The show ends significantly stronger than it begins, thankfully building momentum rather than making me sink back into my seat.
While the inconsistent energy and sometimes-missing spark between characters prevent this version of RENT from being fully satisfying, its spectacular ensemble work and individual highlights make it a production more defined by its peaks than its valleys.
RENT Musical in Madrid
RENT Musical in Madrid (produced in Spanish) runs from December 23, 2025 through January 25, 2026 at Teatro Rialto. Buy tickets now for this limited engagment!
Read moreDetailsSeeing RENT el Musical? Book a hotel near Teatro Fernán Gómez in Madrid.
Final Thoughts
RENT Musical in Madrid (December 26, 2025)
In honor of the musical's 30th anniversary, RENT el Musical is a production that will surely trigger nostalgia for those who experienced New York City in the 90s as I did. Having recently opened on December 23, 2025, I saw one of the first performances and imagine that they will only improve with every show under the belt. The social commentary is intended for mature audiences, so best to keep this in mind when deciding who to attend with.
Factors I've Taken Into Consideration for this Review
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Singing
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Dialogue
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Acting
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Production (Set, Costume & Lighting Design)