Cast of Rent Sings "Will I?" with Arts Workers for Federal Relief

Be An #ArtsHero's Labor Day of Action presents the casts of RENT and #ArtsWorkers from around the nation to highlight the economic crisis facing the American Arts & Culture Economy. 'Will I lose my dignity? Will someone care? Will I wake tomorrow from this nightmare?'
Be An #ArtsHero is an national, non-partisan grassroots movement changing the conversation about America’s creative economy. With 5.1 million American Arts Workers employed by over 675,000 small Arts businesses across the nation, the Arts Economy adds $877 billion in value to GDP. We are a united, sector-wide, intersectional coalition calling for Congress to extend Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), create 100% COBRA subsidies, and pass the DAWN ACT, which would inject $43.85 Billion in direct and proportionate economic relief to the Arts & Culture sector. We seek to ensure that all 5.1 million Americans who work in the Arts can stay alive, in their homes, and have jobs to return to when the crisis subsides. beanartshero.com/
FROM RENT:
Annaleigh Ashford- RENT Off-Broadway Revival Cast
Skylar Astin- RENT Hollywood Bowl Cast
Norbert Leo Butz- RENT Broadway Cast
Will Chase- RENT Broadway Cast
Adam Chanler-Berat- RENT Off-Broadway Revival Cast
Gilles Chiasson- RENT Original Broadway Cast
Wilson Cruz- RENT Broadway Cast
Eden Espinosa- RENT Broadway Cast
Joey Fatone- RENT Broadway Cast
Jordan Fisher- RENT: Live! Cast
Tamyra Gray- RENT Broadway Cast
Wilson Jermaine Heredia- RENT Original Broadway Cast and Film Cast
Rodney Hicks- RENT Original Broadway Cast
Brennin Hunt - RENT: Live! Cast
Adam Kantor- RENT Broadway Cast
Jeremy Kushnier- RENT Broadway Cast
Drew Lachey- RENT Broadway Cast
Telly Leung- RENT Broadway and Hollywood Bowl Cast
Caissie Levy- RENT National Tour Cast
Jose Llana- RENT Broadway Cast
Michael McElroy- RENT Broadway Cast
Aiko Nakasone- RENT Original Broadway Cast
Adam Pascal- RENT Original Broadway Cast and Film Cast
Anthony Rapp- RENT Original Broadway Cast and Film Cast
Jai Rodriguez- RENT Broadway Cast
Daphne Rubin-Vega- RENT Original Broadway Cast
Tracie Thoms- RENT Film and Broadway Cast
Tinashe- RENT: Live Cast
Aaron Tveit- RENT Hollywood Bowl and National Tour Cast
Byron Utley- RENT Original Broadway Cast
Fredi Walker-Brown- RENT Original Broadway Cast
ARTS WORKERS:
Alicia Champion- Producer/Composer/Sound Mixer
Sarah Baley- Visual Artist
Tom Bardwell- Arts Adminstrator
Grace Burwell- Actress
Jackie Cox- Drag Performer
Hana Elion- Overcoats (band)
Kenney M. Green- Artistic Director, Depot Theatre/ Nightlife Performer
Lauryn Gonzalez- Usher (Brooks Atkinson Theater)
Josephine Huynh- Music Therapist
Margaret Katch- Filmmaker/Writer
Danielle LoPresti- Singer/Event Producer/Vocal Coach
Rachel M. Mairena- Wardrobe Supervisor
Brian Marquis- Singer, Tour Manager (Billie Eilish)
Madeleine Oldham- Dramaturg/Sound Designer
Molly Quinn- Usher (Oregon Shakespeare Festival)
Danny Samet- Merchandise Manager/Arts Worker
Cherie B. Tay- Stage Manager (Hadestown)
Lucy Wells- Wardrobe Supervisor (Oregon Shakespeare Festival)
Made with permissions from the Jonathan Larson estate and Universal Music Group
Special Thanks Michael Greif
Talent Coordinator: JZ Casting (Geoff Josselson, CSA & Katja Zarolinski, CSA)
Produced By Jenny Grace Makholm, Robert Vornkahl, and Meaghan Wilbur
Edited, and Mixed By Robert Vornkahl
Be An #ArtsHero is endorsed by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

[@patrickoneill4870]

I'm not gonna lie this video hit me hard! I was cast as Angel in a production of Rent, which is my all time favorite show and due to Covid the production was cancelled with me receiving the email on my birthday. This show has such a deep meaning to me because before being cast as my dream role of Angel, I was offered and performed as Collins in another production before I had even discovered and fell in love with Rent. And this show helped me through the loss of the most important person in my life, my aunt, who had gotten me into theater. And going to rehearsal and feeling the feelings that Collins actually felt made me feel like I wasn't alone! Since being in Rent I had fallen in love with Rent and held the show close to my heart! Rent will always be my favorite musical and I hope and pray that one day I'll be able to step on stage and perform Rent again.

[@chrishouston968]

OMG that sucks so much that your production was canceled. I have been involved with theater most of my life, playing trombone or keyboards in the pit orchestras but I've had a dream for so long to play Roger in a live production I can't imagine being given the opportunity and then have it taken away :( I hope you get to play Angel soon.

[@ana1sninja]

You'll get another chance baby. Just you wait and see. 🎶🕺💕

[@GETOSUPASTAR]

Very few songs make me cry everytime i hear it, this is definitely one of them... this rendition is no different... WOW!😪

[@11ebq11]

Jackie Cox showing up in full drag with a virtual background is the production I require from all zoom collab fundraisers from now on

[@michellecurran2084]

😆😆

[@michaelmorrison1701]

I literally had to do a double take. Like, gurl, what the hell is you doing here. She’s so great!

[@sherriexsal]

Love Jackie! So talented

[@elisam.2896]

Tracie's voice is still pure heaven 💗

[@mellissamay1999]

This is amazing but kind of gutted Rosario, Idina and Mr Jesse L. Martin weren't featured.

[@adrianaavila8853]

Yes Tay Diggs

[@jackver2006]

At least you got Daphne, Fredi, and Adam to join along. It’s even surprising because Fredi felt like she was too old to star in Rent when they considered her to reprise her role as Joanne.

[@iya9047]

and renee :(

[@WenbruReviews]

It’s the way it is supposed be and the others are fine with it…..

[@OCRATHLETE]

Sadly, no Gwen Stewart either with this collaboration (Season of Love Original Soloist ❤)

[@jamesnelson6656]

There’s no song or video that can move anyone to tears like this

[@adrianacinapri7224]

EVERYTHING IS RENT!!!! This is my ALL TIME favourite Musical. I met Anthony Rapp & Telly Leung once, they were the nicest & kindest men, I sprained my ankle before meeting them & they were very sweet about the whole thing. I wish I could meet more of the cast OR meet those 2 again

[@yoanacompean7327]

I always cry with this song, I love RENT. They have been so many people that were part of the RENT cast, but I'm especially happy that they include Aaron Tveit in this video

[@michellemcdoniels9877]

Whelp, saw this for the first time today. Don't really have words expect for beautifully sad and just a lot of feelings. Seriously wonderful and I'm definitely not crying

[@jasmineshell7917]

OMG almost cried. So real. Did not know about the DAWN Act but will def spread information and support. Pandemic nightmare has to end at some point.

[@lavieja4673]

You'd think I'd be ready for how much harder Rent hits during a pandemic and its accompanying recession. You'd be wrong. Shut up I'm not crying, you're crying.

[@Reggie062587]

I can only hope these arts workers are somehow surviving in this trying time.🙏🏼

[@evanbarraza8808]

SO beautiful! So many of these faces represent why I love theater so much and why Rent is so magical. And I gotta applaud Tinashe for pouring her artistry into this rendition. I am so moved

[@carolynstewart7308]

I have been deeply saddened by how the government has brushed aside the urgent need for financial relief of this wonderful and necessary sector. And my heart goes out to every single person that is the life blood of our arts culture. MUCH LOVE!

[@sha11235]

They don't give a rat's ass, that's the problem.

[@emily-ke7yc]

god, anthony rapps voice is just incredible

[@hillbaby02]

I hope where Johnathan Larson is, he sees that 30 years later his words and music are timeless and have touched so many people. Better their lives and has become a global phenomena. High schools and Colleges do productions of Rent.

[@rosepratiwi6532]

I love Rent. The story inside, the characters, the songs, the messages. It requires full heart to project the love in this story.

[@joshuashin8456]

Sad that Rosario Dawson and Idina Menzel wasn’t there.

[@jocelynb9108]

And Jesse!

[@kaikahana]

Do correct me if I’m wrong, but is Taye not here too? And that /is/ Wilson diagonally below Anthony in the big collage right?

[@joshuashin8456]

Kaika Hana taye wasn’t there but Wilson appeared on 1:56 at the left side.

[@OCRATHLETE]

Sadly, no Gwen Stewart either

[@thechoripankiller]

Yep, 2020 and this song still alive and kicking

[@anisaromano5352]

I'm not crying, you're crying.

[@emmasvitil8052]

SHOUT OUT MICHAEL MCELROY ! WOO THAT'S MY VOCAL PERFORMANCE TEACHER

[@lizgoldstein4256]

I love the song for its rawness, it’s really touched me - just the mixing is somewhat off from the middle onward.

[@OCRATHLETE]

Re watching Rent the Movie tonight . #NoDayButToday

[@airwaves7]

I wanted to hear Aaron's Solo.

[@yoanacompean7327]

Same :(

[@OperaBuff1935]

Chanda, a few years ago the Asheville Choral Society under the direction of Lenora Thom sang a medley of songs from "Rent", including this one. I really enjoyed learning about "Rent" with some of the same themes as Puccini's opera 'La Boheme" and singing the numbers. Lenora conducted the music for several ACT productions - maybe you remember her or maybe that was before you came to be a part (a great part, I might say :-) )of ACT. Take care.

[@rhiannonj2918]

I'm in tears. I wish there was more I could do from my end of the world but trying to keep arts alive here in Aus isn't going to well either

[@amybethbrown712]

There has no protection or help for the entertainment, catering and hospitality industries around the world. This song is the perfect to describe how people who have been forgotten feels in those industries.

[@bellahelena01]

I think my tears ruined my keyboard

[@MAJ280NYU]

Thank you so much for this extraordinary video. Although I am not an Arts Worker myself, I know many. The need for immediate support may even be understated in this video. Written with love.

[@jocelynb9108]

Beautiful to see them all together

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

Wow......just......wow.......on so many levels......so beautiful Thank you for this.... 💚💛💚💛💚

[@freemygrandma956]

I know this is old but it brought tears

[@nelediedorce334]

I am always sick this my nightmare and now I am loosing hair 💔🧏🏿‍♀️😑

[@rysefries2462]

This worked until 1:10 But I like the sentiment

[@cantankeruz]

The chaotic energy is...

[@skmsnow]

Is that Adam Pascal at :45 ?

[@AML0702]

My favorite musical and this song hits harder now 💔

[@scoutmcgee6385]

I hope they can figure out a way to bring back live theatre. It would be a shame to lose all this talent. I really miss going on a date with my husband or my daughter and having lunch and then going to the theatre. What you have done here is beautiful. I had seen RENT 3 times when it played in Toronto Canada.🇨🇦

[@bylmlyj]

😭😭😭😭❤😭😭😭😭

[@moriyukari8888]

すばらしい👏

[@joshknoll5172]

The arts & live theater are vital parts of our culture and economy. I truly miss going to a theater performance, a concert, and art opening. I can't wait to do these activities again. This is my favorite song from RENT.

[@crdmagicallife]

Chills

[@JulieDelahooke]

Absolutely stunning. That’s all I can say

[@alexusbrown7001]

Is that Joey Fatone

[@xxwhispersxx2856]

Yup! He did a run of Rent on broadway and played Mark Cohen!

[@elizabethmilligan3517]

How can individuals contribute & are contributions matched or more?

[@ravendebonair]

This brings back so many memories from when I first heard this after the original cast sing this. Seeing those familiar faces brought the emotions all back and this song has resonated with me from the beginning and for the past 17 years after my own diagnosis. The only thing keeping me from tears during it was the vocals being off sync, but I absolutely love the sentiment and seeing those original faces brought back a lot for me.

[@gastonmm5]

This gave me chills.

[@disabledbelle2008]

This is what I think about with this pandemic and our elderly and disabled by themselves. I know there is no easy solutions but it still doesn't make it right

[@tanman99]

I’m a HCW in a major metropolitan that provides care to the indigent population. This song always reminds me of our patients and their number one need is for someone to care about them. Care enough to give them the best quality health care they deserve regardless of their background or income. It was a very sad and frightening time when at the height of COVID we were losing so many people. Of course loss of life is nothing new and happens all the time at a hospital. But to me the real tragedy was that due to isolation they had to die alone without their loved ones at their side. I understood the policy but never really agreed with it. It makes a huge difference in someone’s care to have an advocate for them at their bedside.

[@Gusp5]

GOOSEBUMPS!

[@dreamflux6964]

Literally I'm crying out loud

[@musicdirector5719]

So beautiful! Can I have permission to play this in a church zoom service for the Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation in AZ?

[@BeAnArtsHero]

Absolutely! As long as usage isn't monetized in any way :)

[@leahstanforth1485]

this made me cry much harder than i’d like to admit

[@sha11235]

Oh, there were some original cast members there, according to the ending credits. Didn't see that before.

[@hero6202]

I love this! Let’s do something together! I’m based in London, UK. Soon to come nee work. Let’s connect Art Heroes! 💝🎶

[@lindallanos9267]

Lovely..Heart filled

[@bsteph5200]

I bet they didn’t know they’ll be singing songs from Rent for a lifetime! 😅

[@Angel-mr1mi]

Beautiful song, beautiful production. I got to see Wilson Heredia. I just love him.

[@glennspitzer2684]

Who is the guy in the top left corner. He looks familiar but you didn't put up his job or his name.

[@alexandriaharvey5842]

I love rent it’s my favorite musical

[@Gusp5]

😭🥺

[@toripaige7290]

is that Gerrard Butler at 1:02?

[@danielmitchell5184]

So moving.. I didn't see Idina though.. Was she not available for this or was she in it and I somehow missed her?

[@pandauniverse3431]

[@lilyanalux1322]

C trop bien fait

[@NicoleUntch]

This is so cute but the mixing at the end is kind of a nightmare. Love and miss theater so much though 😢

[@batshevamormarcovich3878]

למה לא?💘🍒🐬

[@gerardyatcilla4839]

AMAZING!!!

[@douglasjones76]

WE MISS YOU!!!!!

[@sha11235]

What, no original cast members?

[@stephanieromaynehebert3660]

you cannot ask for help while simultaneously denying it to so many others, and you know it is a fact. It's literally a fact...

[@プレシャスクレマ]

怖いので😱

[@TheGooseandJBiscuit]

2:00 Aiko if your seeing this, just know we all miss you ❤️ From Addi and Joey

[@rowanisbored6320]

I swear I cry over this song everytime (this time especially)

[@mariaduramos]

aii, tô chorosa 🥺

[@markalvord7834]

I wish I could have been a part of this

[@CherryBombPlays]

can somebody timestamp the cast .

[@lucytaylor9168]

okay but why is rent live cast here ew

[@sha11235]

Didn't need to go to color.

[@sandygarlick8340]

[@umbertoceccon8775]

meraviglia!

[@Yogaflame911]

Timings a little off, no?

[@angelarobertson2668]

So sad India couldn’t make it beautiful though ❤

[@Kittyyycatcat]

I don’t see three people that were in it :(

[@prolingheuer]

Funny, I can see at least 5!

[@prolingheuer]

6, I missed Wilson

[@adami6187]

Maybe they weren't able to participate. And like, there have been hundreds upon hundreds actors involved with Rent across the years, it's natural that not everyone would be able to participate

[@BeAnArtsHero]

Hi Destiny! If you check out our credits at the end, you’ll see we were blessed to have over 30 past “Rent” cast members from the original Broadway cast, the movie, the televised live production, the revival, and the touring productions participate! ❤️

[@tattot5838]

I grew up to that movie, and I’ve loved it ever since. My mom told stories that I would sing each song from such a young age, even the dirty ones lol. Anyways, I love this movie, it will always be in my heart. Thank you to the directors, writers, the cast, and everyone who I may have forgotten. You made my childhood ironically, especially through all the hard times I've been through. 💜