I never saw ‘Rent' on Broadway. But after experiencing it at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons last Saturday, I felt like I had.

It was that good - and I'm not the only one who thought so.

From the opening number to the finale, the popular musical scored in every category - set, music, song, dance and, most of all, passion.

In fact, if you have somehow lost your passion, whatever passion that was, I recommend you see the Santa Clarita Regional Theatre's production of ‘Rent' as soon as possible. I believe you will find it again. You will know through the tear in your eye and the goose bumps on your skin.

Orchestra: Since this is, after all, a musical, the first kudos must go to the "orchestra." What I would describe more as a "band" includes keyboards, guitars, bass and drums. But, conducted by Patricia Graham, these professionals came together in something far more than their parts. To describe them as "tight" would be a gross understatement. They made everything else come alive.

Voices/dancing: As important as the music is, the voices must carry this show. And that they did. First of all, the ensemble songs were positively uplifting. But, beyond that, the featured individual voices were amazing. You'd be totally captivated by one remarkable singer - and then another astonishing voice would peal out from somewhere down the line, and you'd have to snap your attention over there to see who it was. Then, almost before you could savor that, everyone would join in to carry you away.

The choreography was impressive as well, tight and expressive, and right on beat. Beyond that, the athleticism of several of the actors was astounding, with jumps, flips, break dancing, furniture dancing and splits.

Casting: There is, of course, an advantage to never having seen this show before. As I had no preconceived ideas of how any particular character should look or sound, each of them seemed perfectly suited to his or her part. And they each brought their parts, and thereby the story, to vibrant life.

It won't matter whether you can normally identify with the New York City Bohemian lifestyle, the plight of kids living on the streets and in the shadow of AIDS or with same-sex romance, you will become a part of it all. Passionately so.

Director Leslie Berra shared some insights into how this came about. She said that the cast members "...have become a community of love - the most bonded cast I have ever known. They believe in their characters, finding the good things in them. Each has become that character." And, beyond that, the cast has taken the message of the show to heart, she said. "It's what I believe is the pervasive theme of unconditional love throughout the show, a community of acceptance."

I find myself torn here. I feel the need to recognize the incredible talents of the eight lead cast members and yet reluctant to do so if that means setting them above the rest of the actors. So, in the spirit of this community of performers I will not. But I will say this. Casting directors - come out and watch these young people. You will not be sorry.

Story: Finally, no play succeeds without story, and this is a powerful one. As Berra shared in her director's notes: "It's ... a story about forgiveness. The characters in this show don't always make the right choices. And they suffer the consequences of their actions. Yet, within their community, those differences are not only tolerated, they are understood, embraced and even celebrated."

You will celebrate with them. I know this because the audience continued to celebrate after the curtain, humming and whistling the last tune as they made their way out of the PAC.

You only have four more opportunities to see ‘Rent' at the PAC - Saturday, March 13 (8 p.m.), Sunday March 14 (2 p.m.), Friday, March 19 (8 p.m.), and Saturday, March 20 (8 p.m.). Ticket prices are from $12 to $29. Call the box office at (661) 799-2702. The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons is located at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia, CA 91355.