About this episode

The episode features a conversation with Anthony Rapp reflecting on his career and experiences in the theater industry.

Since making my Broadway debut in Beetlejuice last year, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what it actually means to “make it” in this business. It took me twenty years from my first Broadway audition to finally getting that credit, with plenty of near misses along the way. But imagine being just ten years old and moving to New York City with your family for your Broadway debut…only to have the show close during previews. That’s exactly what happened to Anthony Rapp. Recorded in 2022 as the theater industry was finding its footing again after the COVID shutdown, our conversation goes far beyond the role many people know him for—Mark in Rent. Anthony reflects on that almost Broadway debut, the reality of film producers who didn’t want to cast him, and how he navigated the loss of two people closest to him. You’ll also hear a bonus segment about his time playing the title role in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Correction: In the episode introduction, I mistakenly referred to Anthony Rapp as playing Roger in Rent. Anthony actually originated the role of Mark Cohen on Broadway. Also, with it being mentioned during the episode, Anthony’s answers to the Final Five Questions…

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Oliver Jones

Guest: Anthony Rapp

Topics covered

• Broadway
• theater industry
• Anthony Rapp
• personal journey
• loss
• musical theater

Keywords

• Broadway debut
• theater
• Anthony Rapp
• Rent
• musical
• loss
• COVID
• Beetlejuice

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Beetlejuice, Rent, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

More episodes of Why I‘ll Never Make It

• A Look Back at J. Harrison Ghee & Caroline Bowman Before the Breakthrough Moments · April 20, 2026 · 1h 28m
• A Look Back at Ann Harada and Finding Longevity as an Actor · April 13, 2026 · 1h 8m
• A Look Back at Adrienne Walker Navigating Rejection as a Broadway Actor · April 3, 2026 · 1h 33m
• A Look Back at Misha Osherovich and Breaking Free from Body Image Pressures in Theater · March 25, 2026 · 1h 7m
• A Look Back at Sharon Catherine Brown and a Legacy of Passion and Joy for Theater · March 13, 2026 · 2h 33m
• A Look Back at Lisa Howard Defining Success on Her Own Terms in Broadway Musicals · February 20, 2026 · 1h 12m

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