Penn State Behrend’s Theatre program hosted a master class and concert Thursday, March 29, where Behrend’s cast of “Rent” were provided with the professional teachings of guest Broadway superstar, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, best known for his originating role of Angel in the successful rock opera.

 

The master class and free concert, both held in the Behrend Studio Theatre, were sponsored by the Mary Behrend Cultural Fund Student Activities Fee and the H&SS Endowment Fund. The spring musical cast of “Rent,” and musical director, Emily Cassano, welcomed the Tony Award-winning performer to a three hour master class session where the cast were guided through a series of scenes and songs by Heredia who provided them with advice on stage choreography, character development and other acting expertise.

 

Heredia worked on Angel’s solo song and dance number in the musical, “Today For You,” with freshman marketing major, Jaret Kelly, who is portraying the iconic character in the Behrend rendition. Heredia spent ample time with Kelly perfecting this scene as Heredia delve deep into the meaning behind the character’s personality and selflessness.

 

“People say never meet your idols because they never are going to be what you think they are, but he was everything I expected,” Kelly said. “He was kind and caring and generous to all of us. Just an absolutely incredible person.”

 

Kelly, with a background in musical theatre, auditioned for “Rent,” after falling in love with the original motion picture. Kelly continued to research the message behind the musical as well as the writer behind it, Jonathan Larson, who passed away before he could witness his creation come to life on a Broadway stage.

 

“Larson wanted to do something that would shock the system,” Kelly said. “He wanted people to make a connection to something. Aids was ravaging his life and the lives of so many others and he wanted to put that out there.”

 

Kelly’s passion for this character resonated with Heredia, as the two ran the number “Today For You,” three times with intense character study.

 

“The first time I did it, I was strutting my stuff a little too much. I was going more drag queen than I was Angel,” Kelly said.

 

Heredia asked Kelly what the character is trying to get out of this scene. Kelly’s response was that Angel wants to perform and show off what she has to offer.

 

“Well, what’s she wearing?,” was Heredia’s response to Kelly.

“She’s wearing a Santa outfit,” said Kelly.

“What’s Santa all about?” asked Heredia.

“Giving gifts and making people happy,” answered Kelly.

“There you go,” Heredia simply responded.

 

From there, Kelly took a different approach to Angel’s character and focused on what her name stands for; giving to people and making them happy. By the third attempt, both Kelly and Heredia were pleased with the difference.

 

Fifth semester senior and general arts and sciences major with a double minor in political science and psychology, A’ary Fontes, portrays Mimi in the musical and was beyond excited to have met an idol from a musical which helped her accept who she is and what it means to have freedom in individuality.

 

“He helped us really capture the intent of the musical,” Fontes said. “He gave us solid directions and helped us develop as characters in a legendary production.”

 

“It was almost surreal to be able to work with Wilson,” Ashley Meyer added, a junior PLET major who portrays Joanne in the musical. “He's such a big star, but he's also such a great person at the same time. He was really helpful during the masterclass, just helping us figure out a few of the details made the show a thousand times better.”

 

The free concert followed the master class later that evening, where the cast performed with Heredia in, “Rent,” “Take Me or Leave Me,” “I’ll Cover You,” and “Seasons of Love.” After the concert, Heredia took closing questions about his experience in theatre and his passions for the musical.

 

“What you saw on stage was not fake,” Heredia said in response to his first performance in “Rent” after Larson’s unexpected death. “All we had was each other to turn to. It made everything feel real. We became very protective over the material and it made all thirteen of us into a family instantly.”

 

Heredia’s professionalism, personality and passion for “Rent,” inspired the Behrend cast to push past the challenges of the musical and absorb important acting techniques from a true professional that they will never forget.

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The show opens Thursday, April 12-14 at 7:30 p.m. and continues the following week through the 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. Student tickets are $5 and $7 for the general public.