NYTW SPOTLIGHT: Andy Señor Jr.

Before 25 YEARS OF RENT: MEASURED IN LOVE takes the virtual stage on March 2nd, director Andy Señor, Jr. chats with us about his connection to RENT and what is inspiring him right now.

Tell us about your work with NYTW and RENT?
I made my professional debut as an actor playing Angel in RENT back in 1997. I went on to become Michael Greif’s associate director and have been remounting the show all over the world ever since. Currently I am directing NYTW’s Virtual Gala that celebrates RENT’s 25th Anniversary.

Most memorable experience with RENT?
I have had many memorable experiences with RENT because I have always been part of the show during very memorable world events. I was performing in the show on Broadway during 9/11. I was in the West End company in London during the bombing of a gay bar near our theatre. I toured with the show through China during the Bird Flu. And, most recently, directed the show in Korea during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. I will say that the most memorable and personal time was directing the show in Havana during the normalization of relations between Cuba and the United States.

What is your first memory of going to the theatre or how did you fall in love with theatre?
I was born into a family and community of Latin musicians that played in popular cabaret nightclubs in Miami, so I grew up in a theatre like atmosphere. I fell in love with theatre in high school where I found my own community and we would do musicals together.

What or who inspires you?
Travel inspires me. Living and working around the world where I encounter new perspectives, cultures, and customs. That’s what I love about theatre; it takes you places you might have never considered or been to otherwise.

Without live theatre at this time, what have you been watching, listening to, reading…?
I am currently based in Barcelona, so I’ve been immersing myself in the culture here. I have been reading about Picasso and visiting the Picasso museum. I also love Spanish films and TV and have recently watched a great series called “Veneno” based on a true story. I’ve also been doing a lot of movement work at a place here called Bamboo Body which focuses on Ido Portal movement training.

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Categories: NYTW Spotlight. Tags: 25 Years of RENT.