Mohawk Valley Community College will host “An Evening with Anthony Rapp” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Schafer Theater at the College’s Utica Campus. Tickets, which are $25 for the general public, $20 for MVCC employees, and free for MVCC students, go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at mvcc.edu/tickets.
From his breakout role in “Rent” on Broadway to acclaimed performances on screen,
Rapp has captivated audiences with his talent, passion, and compelling storytelling.
His film credits include “Dazed and Confused,” “Adventures in Babysitting,” and “A
Beautiful Mind,” while his television appearances include “Law & Order: Special Victims
Unit,” “The Good Fight,” and “13 Reasons Why.” He is also known for his role as Lt.
Commander Paul Stamets on “Star Trek: Discovery,” making history as the franchise’s
first openly gay character.
Rapp’s career-defining moment came in 1996, when he originated the role of Mark Cohen in Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Rent,” which explores themes of life, love, HIV/AIDS, and social justice. His portrayal of the character — from Off-Broadway to Broadway, productions in Chicago and London, and later in the 2005 film adaptation — have earned critical acclaim and helped solidify “Rent” as a cultural phenomenon.
In addition to acting, Rapp released the solo album “Look Around” in 2000. In 2006, he authored the best-selling book “Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical ‘Rent’” — a chronicle of his experiences during the original run of “Rent” and his personal journey through the loss of his mother — which later served as the foundation for his acclaimed off-Broadway one-man show.
Off the stage and screen, Rapp is a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As a public speaker, he offers audiences an intimate and insightful look into his life and career, reflecting on the loss of his close friend and Rent playwright Jonathan Larson, his mother’s battle with cancer, and the enduring social impact of “Rent.”