Rodney Hicks, who played Benny, Paul, and others in Broadway companies of RENT, recently attended a rehearsal for Tisch Drama’s upcoming presentation of Jonathan Larson's musical. The actor, who performed in the orginal and closing Broadway companies, shared his memories of the show—celebrating its 20th anniversary this year—and led the students in a singing of Seasons of Love.
In his comments to the cast, Hicks emphasized the importance of not duplicating what they know to characteristically be RENT. Instead, he encouraged cast members to celebrate their individuality and allow that to help create what RENT has come to mean to so many. Hicks added that this approach is one of the main things that made the show so special in 1996 and has continued to make it unique over the last 20 years.