Original Rent cast member Rodney Hicks joins Behind the Awards to recount the creation of the cult phenomenon Rent and his friendship with Jonathon Larson. Fun Fact the OBC still has an active group text. Rodney discusses for the first time ever 1968: An American Love Story, a project that he has been writing for the past 5 years.  Rodney shares how Susan Stroman made him a dancer, his battle with Spasmodic Dysphonia and upcoming feature film.

Also in this episode - Julianne Moore 2015 Best Actress win for Still Alice.  Review of Idina Menzel’s return to Broadway in Redwood.

Rodney Hicks is a meditator, playwright, and TV/Film/Stage actor. Plays: 1968 an American Love Story (musical); inhale-EXHALE; Just Press Save; FLAME BROILED. or the ugly play(2019 Local Theatre Company premiere/Boulder, CO); Ms. Pearl’s. Broadway actor credits: Come From Away, The Scottsboro Boys, Jesus Christ Superstar, RENT. Film: Mighty Oak (Apple TV, Amazon), Rent: Live on Broadway, The Sleepover (Disney+) TV: Leverage, Grimm, Hope & Faith, Student Affairs (Pilot), Law & Order: CI; NYPD Blue, FOREVER (Netflix series, May 2025)

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