Anthony Rosaldo on chasing glory, facing fears in his journey to the lead role in 'Rent'

After playing Young Hector in the musical "Ang Huling El Bimbo," Kapuso Pop Rocker Anthony Rosaldo will once again take the theater stage for the revival of Broadway hit "Rent" in Manila.

Anthony will be playing the character of Roger Davis, a struggling musician and a recovering drug addict living with HIV/AIDS.

“Sa pagbuo ng character ni Roger, there's research also about what was happening during that time (1990) and to really discover ‘yung bagahe ni Roger. Him being an ex-drug addict, tapos positive pa siya sa AIDS, marami siyang bagahe,” he said in an interview with GMA News Online.

Being a theater actor is tough, as it requires much effort, strength, agility, and commitment to do all rehearsals and shows. Apart from maintaining his physical health, Anthony said he is also dedicated to putting on a great show alongside other casts.

"I had to sacrifice 'yung other source of income ko, mga raket, and also TV para 100% na committed ako dito sa rehearsals hanggang mag-opening," he said.

To him, "Rent" is a blessing, for he can relate to Roger, as they are both in search of that "one song" they could call a legacy.  

“Feeling ko kasi, nakaka-relate ako kay Roger, na ako, kahit dumating na ako sa point ng buhay ko naging artista na ko, maging singer, hindi pa rin ako tapos abutin 'yung pangarap ko,” he said.

“I want to have that one glory, 'yung hinahanap ni Roger, ‘yung one song na maiiwan niya as legacy. Parang nandun din ako sa point na ‘yun na kailan kaya ako magkakaroon ng one song glory ko? 'Yung pag narinig ng mga tao, ay kanta ni Anthony 'to.” he added.

Journey to the role

Like most people, Anthony admitted that he was also afraid of rejection, which made him terrified of auditions.

“After Huling El Bimbo, iniisip ko kung mayroon pa bang bagay sa akin na role kasi actually nakakatakot mag-audition e, I’m scared of rejections,” he shared.

But they say, "Do it scared," and so he did.

Anthony said he was glad that "Rent" opened a door for him, even though he had no idea of its story and characters before the casting announcement.

“Actually, wala pakong alam tungkol sa 'Rent' before ako nag-audition. So when I was about to audition, saka ko lang ni-research, nanood ako ng available videos online. There’s something sa story na na-touch ako. So nag-audition ako and I went to the callbacks,” he said.

At first, Anthony was torn between two roles, Roger and Mark Cohen.
 
“I sang may panlaban na rock song, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'I Do Anything For Love.' Tapos sabi sakin nila Direk Robbie kailangan ko nang mag-aral na mag-gitara, so nalaman ko by that time na gusto nila akong mag-Roger. Pero sabi ko sa kanila before I sang, I'm auditioning as Mark but if you want to try me as Roger okay lang din sa’kin pero I have to learn,” he said.

A few weeks later, he received a call from the production expressing that he had got the role of Roger, with no other Roger or alternate in the cast.

Given that "Rent" is an award-winning musical, Anthony also feels pressured, as Gian Magdangal, who last played Roger in 2010, is his close friend.  

“Pressured ako syempre, coming from Gian Magdangal who last played Roger, close friend ko and tinitingala ko sa theater world and at the same time, tinutulungan naman nila ako, nila Gian, ng buong cast and Direk,” Anthony noted.

Moreover, the Kapuso Pop Rocker says he's more than ready to take the stage and bring a new perspective to the audience.

“Sobrang excited ako. I live and breathe 'Rent.' I'm ready, super ready."

Anthony expressed his excitement for the audience to watch the show as the musical highlights the value of relationships, such as family, friends, and everyone around us.

“Kasi life is short, and kahit marami kang pinagdadaanan, may problema, may sakit, may heartbreak, any circumstances na mahirap. Kahit anong mangyare 'yung mga malalapit sayo sila parin yung makakasama mo and do not be afraid to live and to share and give love and still reach that ultimate dream, that's the message of this musical,” he said.

Jonathan Larson's "Rent" is a rock-inspired musical known as one of the most popular and influential modern musicals that premiered on Broadway in 1996.

It tells the story of eight individuals who are trying to figure out life amid the challenges of love, friendship, loss, and everything in between.

"Rent" portrays real-world situations and issues such as poverty, LGBTQA+ rights, and HIV/AIDS, making it relevant and impactful.

The cast also includes Garrett Bolden as Tom Collins, Thea Astley and Molly Langle as Mimi Marquez, Reb Atadero and Ian Pangilinan as Mark Cohen, Lance Reblando and Adrian Lindayag as Angel Dumott Schunard, Justine Peña and Jasmine Fitzgerald as Maureen Johnson, Mica Fajardo and Fay Castro as Joanne Jefferson, Markki Stroem and Guji Lorenzana as Benny, Kai Banson as Sue, Jordan Andrews as Gordon, Chesko Rodriguez and Paul Valdez as Steve, and Misha Fabian as Ally.

Among the notable songs in this musical are "Seasons of Love," "I'll Cover You," "Another Day," "What You Own," and many more.

Starting April 19, 9Works Theatrical will be staging Jonathan Larson's 'Rent' on various dates until June 1, 2024, at the RCBC Theater Plaza.  

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me at bit.ly/TicketstoRentMNL. —JCB, GMA Integrated News