After ending a 12-year run and 5,124 performances on Broadway in 2008, the Tony Award winning musical 'Rent' will be performed in Los Angeles this coming weekend starring a slew of celebrities, including Wayne Brady, Tracie Thoms, and Collins Pennie.
Pennie, who's currently starring on TNT's 'Hawthorne' with Jada Pinkett Smith, has also appeared in the films 'Prom Night,' 'Fame' and the upcoming 'Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming.'
'Rent' will be performed at the Hollywood Bowl for three performances only, Friday through Sunday.
Directed by actor Neil Patrick Harris, the cast includes Aaron Tveit as Roger, Skylar Astin as Mark, 'High School Musical' star Vanessa Hudgens as Mimi, 'Dancing with the Stars' and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger as Maureen, TV personality Wayne Brady as Collins, Tracie Thoms, who starred in the last Broadway production and the film version, as Joanne, Pennie as Benny, Telly Leung as Angel, and original cast member Gwen Stewart as the 'Seasons of Love' vocalist.
Black Voices caught up with the New York native as he's set to appear in a musical that many fans have seen and loved for years. Excerpts of the conversation are below.
Collins Pennie: I'm reprising the role of Bennie in 'Rent.' It's the role that Taye Diggs originated on Broadway and played in the film version as well.
How many times did you see the show on Broadway?
CP: I saw it once. I was my very first Broadway show.
How often did you practice on the singing?
CP: A lot. On the plane, I was singing with people next to me. I'm ready to get it in.
What made you decide to do 'Rent?'
CP: I'm from New York and it's such an important piece. It takes place in New York and it reminds me of home. It's such a powerful moving show. I'm just honored to be a part of it.
Were you called to be part of the show or did you audition for it?
CP: They did call me for it and I went in and sang a song and got the role right on the spot.
Are you prepared for the Rent phenomenon?
CP: I love it. I'm a Renthead! I had just moved to Los Angeles when I saw the film, and it made me homesick. It filmed on East 12th street, where I used to live before I moved. I saw my building and was like, "Wow!" I think with preparation, you can accomplish anything. I'm ready to go out there and show them what I got.