by Eileen Shapiro (getoutmag.com)
Rodney Hicks is best known as being a part of the Original Broadway casts of the Landmark Tony Award/Pulitzer Prize Musical RENT and the International hit COME FROM AWAY. He is also the playwright of FLAME BROILED, which had its World Premiere last Fall at Local Theater Company. Rodney has a host of recognizable TV credits to his name.
Rodney can currently be seen in the hit film “Mighty Oak” directed by Sean McNamara. This film has an all-star cast including: Janel Parrish, Carlos PenaVega, Alexa PenaVega, Tommy Ragen, Raven-Symone, Ben Milliken, and many others. Mighty Oak is available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime on July 7th.We spoke to Rodney about his role in the new film and his career.
Did you need to prepare for your role in the movie and if so how did you do it?
In preparation for the role, I read a bit more into reincarnation and how that may or may not manifest in our everyday lives. I’ve been practicing meditation for over the past six years and enjoy reading new age books, crystals, energy healing, and the like, so when I read the script, I was immediately drawn to the mystical element of it as well as the chosen family aspect.
Did you have a scene in the movie that you were particularly proud of all that you particularly enjoyed?
I really enjoy this film and its message of hope. The scene I loved shooting the most has got to be the one with Janel Parrish and I in the bar. We formed such a beautiful bond during shooting and this scene was a bit later in our schedule, so our chemistry was just so incredibly natural, easy, and with great flow. I actually feel that way with all of my scenes with Geena (Janel Parrish) and the band. We all just clicked and vibrated on this wonderful energy of positivity and creation.
Is the character you play in the movie similar to you in anyway?
That’s a great question! The costume designer of the film, Cailin Calandro, took one look at how I usually dress and said this is so DB (Short for Dwayne Biggs, the character I portray in the film). Wardrobe bought my clothes and so that is my personal wardrobe used in the film, mala beads, energy crystals and all. Our vibes are different yet similar. DB has a beautiful been there saw that done that new life living vibe like mine, but his voice is slightly lower and his energy sits a bit more back than mine at times. His love of being there for people, mentorship and being a part of chosen family is very similar to me as well. Nothing against blood family, but chosen family is a very special thing because it’s chosen.
How did you get the role?
As fate had it, I was coming off of healing from being diagnosed with a voice disorder called spasmodic dysphonia. I was in the Broadway show ‘Come From Away’ three years ago, originating the role of Bob and others, after performing in several cities we get to Broadway and my speaking and singing voice began to lose its ground. After many doctor visits, I was told by my neurologist that because of the SD I wouldn’t be able to sing professionally again or speak with clarity and ease. I departed this dream of a show I was in and flew back home, my husband (Chris Coleman, Artistic Director Denver Center Theatre) and I were based in the Pacific northwest at the time. We now reside in Colorado. Defying the doctor’s, my voice miraculously came back on the morning of my father’s death. True story. First my speaking voice followed by my singing voice. I was able to sing at his funeral. So much got unpacked and healed in one morning.
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Reposted from Get Out! To Read the full article go to: https://getoutmag.com/pride-month-spotlight-on-mighty-oak-actor-rodney-hicks/
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