American Theatre is proud to be the venue for Theatrical Mustang, an independently produced podcast from actor-writer-activist Woodzick. Each month they bring listeners interviews with unbridled talent and cultural trailblazers from across the country.
This month, Woodzick talks to actor, playwright, and director Rodney Hicks. Rodney discusses the creative drive that he has possessed from a very young age, how being diagnosed with Spasmodic Dysphonia caused him to pivot his artistry, the impact of taking a master class with Paula Vogel, his audition story for the original production of Rent, and how he got the nickname “Baby Spike Lee.” Learn more about his upcoming production of Passing Strange at Portland Playhouse, April 17-May 26, 2024.
Hicks’s directing credits include Grateful, Flame Broiled. or the ugly play (Local Theater Co.), Runaways (Joe’s Pub/Public Theater), and Ordinary People (St. Thomas Aquinas Players). As a playwright, he has written inhale–EXHALE, 1968 (new musical/book), The Flawed Play, Flame Broiled. or the ugly play (Local Theater Co), Just Press Save (Pride Plays Festival), and Ms. Pearl’s Cabaret (Rhymes & Beats/Zoom). He was a member of the original Broadway casts of Come From Away, The Scottsboro Boys, Jesus Christ Superstar (2000 revival), Rent. Film/TV work includes The Slumber Party, Mighty Oak, Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway, and Leverage (TNT). His 30 years of regional theatre work includes Jitney (Portland Playhouse), The Mountaintop, Dreamgirls, Oklahoma! (Portland Center Stage), among many other plays, Shakespeare productions, and musicals across the country.
Download this episode here. The Theatrical Mustang podcast is edited by Travis Rosemarie Curhart-Fischbach. Music by The Morgens using Citizen DJ Project, Library of Congress, National Jukebox.
