Jesse L. Martin, the acclaimed actor best known for his role in “Law & Order”, has shared a memorable moment from his time on Broadway in the hit musical “Rent”. During a performance in 1996, Martin experienced a bout of stage fright that rendered him momentarily speechless while singing one of the show’s most emotional songs. The cause of his distraction was none other than the legendary musician Prince, who had taken a seat in the audience without the cast’s prior knowledge.
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Reflecting on that evening, Martin recalled, “I was singing ‘I’ll Cover You (Reprise), but I looked out in the audience, and Prince was there.” Martin remembered being taken aback by Prince’s presence, noting the unmistakable sight of him in a vibrant pink jumpsuit. “I just went blank,” Martin admitted. Despite his nerves, he was later informed that his performance had gone well, though he couldn’t quite recall it.
The element of surprise was a common experience for the cast of “Rent”, which ran from its Off-Broadway debut in January 1996 until its Broadway closing in September 2008. Typically, the show’s stage manager would alert the performers about notable attendees, but the presence of Prince was kept under wraps until his arrival. After the performance, Prince made a point to greet the cast backstage, much to their astonishment.
“He was really tiny, and he’s also wildly beautiful,” Martin remarked, highlighting the aura of royalty that Prince carried. The cast initially debated whether it was appropriate to approach the music icon. Ultimately, it was Wilson Jermaine Heredia, who played Angel in the production, who broke the ice. “Can we say hello?” he asked Prince’s bodyguards, to which Prince graciously responded, “Of course.”
During their brief encounter, Prince praised the cast and demystified his own persona, stating, “I’m just a man. I’m just here seeing you guys.” This interaction left a lasting impression on Martin, who had originated the role of Tom Collins in the musical.
Over its long run, “Rent” attracted numerous celebrities and even political figures. Martin recounted an instance when Bill Clinton, along with Hillary Clinton and their daughter Chelsea, attended a performance. This particular visit became a talking point due to Clinton’s controversial past, specifically a statement made during his 1992 presidential campaign regarding his marijuana use.
The combination of high-profile guests and the show’s unconventional format made “Rent” a cultural phenomenon. Martin noted, “There was a moment when my character gives a tribute to marijuana.” Excited at the prospect of making a humorous nod to the former president, Martin found himself momentarily lost for words. As he prepared to toast “to marijuana” on stage, he could not help but glance towards Clinton in the audience, which caused his nerves to overwhelm him. “I literally didn’t say it,” Martin confessed.
Despite Martin’s struggle in that moment, the audience, filled with enthusiastic fans of the musical, quickly leapt to the rescue. “Luckily, all the kids in the front rows were huge fans of the show,” he said, relief evident in his voice. The young audience members filled in the missing word, allowing Martin to continue with the performance.
“Rent” is particularly notable for being a trendsetter on Broadway, introducing a lottery system that allowed fans to purchase tickets for just £20, ensuring access for many who might not otherwise get the chance to see the show. This initiative drew in a diverse audience, some of whom were deeply knowledgeable about the musical itself, thus creating an electric atmosphere during performances.
Looking back, Jesse L. Martin’s experiences in “Rent” encapsulate the peculiar pressures and excitement of live theatre, especially when faced with unexpected celebrity encounters. His heartfelt reflections on memorable nights illustrate not only the significance of the show in the cultural landscape but also the sense of community it fostered among cast members and audiences alike.