'Rent' star Anthony Rapp to speak Tuesday night at MSU

Contact: Sammy McDavid

STARKVILLE, Miss.--The young actor best known for originating the role of "Mark Cohen" in the award-winning rock opera "Rent" will discuss his work and career Tuesday [April 25] at Mississippi State.

Anthony Rapp's public presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the McComas Hall theater.

His visit is co-sponsored by the university's Shackouls Honors College, offices of the Vice President for Research and of the Provost, Campus Activities Board, and Holmes Cultural Diversity Center.

"Rent," a musical about Bohemians living in New York's East Village, won the Tony and OBIE awards for its exploration of life, love, AIDS, and modern America. Released in November, the movie version featured Rapp in his Broadway role and as the movie's narrator.

"Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss and the Musical 'Rent'" (Simon & Schuster, 2006) is the title of his book about experiences in the production. He will sign copies in the McComas lobby following the program.

Rapp's other Broadway credits include a recent revival of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" and "John Guare's Six Degrees of Separation."

As for current or future movies, Rapp has completed "Danny Roane: First Time Director" and "Scaring the Fish." On television, Rapp has appeared in "The Lazarus Man," "The X-Files," "The Beach Boys: An American Family," and "Law & Order: SUV."

For more information on the Tuesday program, contact Sandra Middleton at (662) 325-2522.