RENT Returns to Chicago with Idol’s Anwar Robinson

By Ken Payne
feedback@buzznews.net

Of the many musicals produced in recent years, none have been as significant as RENT when it comes to tapping into, and enlightening the public, on so-called “taboo” social issues. For many, RENT has identifiable aspects that hit home, while to others it is an eye-opening account that has resulted in the breaking down of walls that before had these “undesirable” stereotypes quarantined or simply ignored. RENT deals with AIDS, drug use, homosexuality, the Bohemian lifestyle, and loneliness, but most of all unconditional love and sticking together.

Not only does RENT provide an intrinsic myriad of healthy life lessons because of its powerful story, but it also offers an incredible display of rock music written by the late Jonathan Larson, who sadly died the night before the show premiered after spending eight long years working on the musical.

This production of the Pulitzer-Prize winning RENT brings along with it Heinz Winckler as ex-junkie, HIV inflicted Roger Davis. Heinz was the winner of the first South African Idol in 2002 and finished 4th in the 2003 World Idol competition. Also joining the cast as Tom Collins and making his stage debut is Anwar Robinson, who some may remember as the music teacher who became an overnight television sensation via season four of American Idol, where judge Paula Abdul hyped him as “technically the best singer in the competition”. Anwar is a true talent that even Simon can’t knock. Working in the past with music icons including Patti Labelle, Kelly Price, Clive Davis and Byron Cage, Anwar has recently focused on his solo work by releasing his new album, The Truth About Love.

Despite touring an 8 show per week schedule since October, Anwar found the time to talk about the touring production of RENT.

Buzz – How was your American Idol experience? What did you take with you from that?

Anwar – It was a crash course into the music business, and also television production. I’ve learned that my life is very valuable and what I was enjoying was very important because it got to be magnified before millions of people to see that everyday people are just as important as reality television people.

Buzz – And all of a sudden people everywhere know your face. That’s got to be a big change for you.

Anwar – It is a change. What one does with the ups and downs, I’ve chosen to use that in a positive light and actually become a mentor and an inspiration to people, especially people who are aspiring to become musicians or work in the music environment.

Buzz - Has being on American Idol propelled you into new avenues? Obviously, your touring in RENT and that’s a pretty big deal.

Anwar – It is a big deal. Sometimes I wonder if I would have even been eligible had I not been on Idol. I didn’t consider myself an actor before this venture and our creative team is very supportive of us and we greatly appreciate what they do for all of us as a cast. So that made it a lot easier because I had an opportunity about two years ago and I don’t feel that I was ready at the time. This is definitely a great way to make a debut as an actor. The story is very important and also the music is really good.



Buzz – Were you familiar with RENT beforehand? Or, did you become a fan since?

Anwar – I was familiar with it. I wasn’t able to see it. When I was in high school it came out and there were field trips to go see it, but I actually forgot and I elected not to take off work, much to my chagrin. But I did see the movie and there are many different takes on the movie. I enjoyed it and when I saw the play I realized the aesthetic value of the movie was for the people who would never get the chance to see the play to get a preview or an instruction manual (laughs).

Buzz – I’m one of those people who have seen the movie but not the play. What’s the biggest difference in the live performance than in the movie?

Anwar – There’s a lot more music. You would just have to see the play because it delves much deeper into the lives of the characters. There’s a lot more character fabric than in the movie.

Buzz – You’re playing my favorite character in RENT, Tom Collins. I like him because he kind of holds things together for everyone by being so supportive.

Anwar – I think that he kind of allows Angel that glue that holds everybody together. He does support, and I tend to agree with you. I tend to look at the cause of the patriarch, I do… But when Angel comes along, it’s like, “Oh wow.” He kind of takes over as that spiritual ground that everybody needs, because Collins needs it, too. Collins and Angel take care of each other in that respect. They’re basically an example of what true love is and what unconditional love is.

Buzz – Being that the message of RENT is important and takes a close look at unpopular social issues, is that something that inspires a performer, such as yourself, as opposed to starring in “Grease”?

Anwar – I think that overall the story is foundational just because it can apply to so many different people. It’s not just for your entertainment or for you to laugh. It’s very inspiring. It’s something that I enjoy doing every single night.

Buzz – So, beyond RENT what are you looking at in the future for yourself?

Anwar – A few movie options…I have some auditions and requests to screen. And getting through the post-production process of my album and putting that out there electronically and solidifying distribution that is satisfactory and acceptable to me, because distribution is not very easy to come by.

This month RENT returns to Chicago where it will be performed at the Cadillac Palace Theatre February 12-17. For tickets or more information call Broadway in Chicago at (312) 902-1400 or look up your local Ticketmaster Retail Locations.