Few works have captured the power of community like RENT. When it first hit the stage, the musical gave a voice to people living with HIV and AIDS, challenged stigma, celebrated love in all forms, and inspired urgent action. At CAN Community Health, we see the same power of unity every day as we work to uplift communities and ensure no one faces HIV alone.
The messages of RENT remain as relevant as ever. As we prepare for our World AIDS Day two-night concert series “No Day But Today” featuring Broadway legends Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, we’re reminded of the stories their characters brought to life. Their presence at our Fort Lauderdale and Tampa shows are rallying calls to continue the fight for equity, dignity, and health for all.
OutSFL: You played the same character in both the stage and screen versions of Rent. How did your life experiences between the two inform your portrayals?
Pascal: My life experience didn’t inform my performance. I think it remained very consistent, but it was a very different world. We were living in, regarding HIV and AIDS, a much more hopeful world. So there was a vitality that I felt at the time of the stage production that wasn’t as present when we shot the movie.
OutSFL: You’ve been a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ community. Has that impacted your career at all?
Pascal: I can’t really say if it’s affected my career one way or another, but I can say that being involved in the community has made me a happier human being and that’s infinitely more important than anything it could’ve done for my career.
CAN Community Health: What do you hope audiences take away from participating in a concert that honors World AIDS Day?
Pascal: I would hope that it’s not an experience filled with sadness, but with joy and music and laughter.
CAN Community Health: In your view, how can music and performance help break stigma and build empathy around HIV/AIDS?
Pascal: Entertainment has always been the great unifier as it connects people across tribal divisions, and unites them around a shared experience.
Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Susan Terry Foundation, which provides vital resources to help people living with HIV lead healthy, empowered lives. In 1991, Susan built the groundwork for what would eventually become CAN Community Health. She believed that every voice mattered and worked tirelessly to uplift communities and shatter barriers. We carry her commitment to excellence in healthcare with us daily.
One of the strongest tools we have in the fight against HIV is community. Art can inspire. Music can unite. When combined with purpose, both can drive meaningful change. We hope to see you at our “No Day But Today” concert series. Because each voice matters in the ongoing fight to stop HIV.
