I do thoroughly understand your point, Laura and Mike, but think you can answer your own question by considering other shows that include elements (props, costume, set decoration, etc.) that have become iconic to that show and/or character.

Additionally, I haven’t seen “Rent” before and I appreciated having a distinct visual cue to instantly pick “Mark” from the gaggle of denizens. I’m not trying to be snarky, really, but if you are focused on such a small element, perhaps you’ve seen the show a few too many times? It’s like being able to pick out the actor’s face behind the Darth Vader mask; one must be thoroughly inured to the magic of the overall production in order to even ‘see’ something like that.

My lady and I have to agree about the stage right scaffolding, but mostly because we were sitting right under it, and the swaying and creaking were a little unnerving. We enjoyed ourselves completely- as usual, the Kensington crew has created a spectacular production.