Great Performances: Jesse L. Martin as Collins

When watching Jesse L. Martin in the role of Tom Collins in Rent, one can feel the joy that this man finds in life, even if that life could be cut short at any time by his HIV- status.

Martin brings a warmth, a familiarity to his characterization that is refreshing, even surprising. One can easily see why he has the loyal friends that he does, and why his Angel would fall in love with him so completely, so easily. Their duet, "I'll Cover You", is sexy, even playfull, but ultimately rock solid romantic.

Which makes Collins' solo reprise, after Angel is taken from him, all the more heart breaking. As he stands at the funeral of his beloved, he fights back the pain, yet somehow finds the strength - the love - to lead his "family" through their combined grief.

Marin played Collins in the original Broadway production of Rent, and the time spent in the role shows. His Collins is lived in, and while Wilson Jermaine Heredia's Angel is the heart of the piece, Martin's performance is its soul.

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