Anthony Rapp Returns to Stage With ‘Touch’ as Rent Turns 30

Anthony Rapp has returned to New York’s theater scene with Touch, a one-man play by Kenny Finkle, directed by Jonathan Silverstein. Performed at the East Village Basement theater, the production offers an unusually intimate setting with just 40 seats. Rapp described the experience as “form meeting content in a great way,” noting he has never performed for such a small audience.

Family Sacrifices

Rapp admitted the hardest part of his return is being away from his husband, Ken Ithiphol, and their two sons, Rai and Keony. “I’m separated from them for three weeks while I’m doing this, which is hard,” he said. “It’s longer than I’ve ever been apart from them, but it’s for a worthwhile reason.”

Exploring Complex Themes

In Touch, Rapp plays Syd Blatter, a middle-aged gay man and burned-out teacher facing a moral crisis after a surprising encounter with a former student. Finkle explained that the play explores power, relationships, and human nuance. “It asks the audience to decide for themselves, but also to look at what it means to be human,” he said.

Career Milestones

Rapp’s career spans decades, from his film debut in Adventures in Babysitting (1987) to his role in Star Trek: Discovery, where he portrayed Paul Stamets, part of the franchise’s first openly gay couple. He recently starred in Without You, based on his memoir, and will soon reunite with Adam Pascal to celebrate Rent’s 30th anniversary.

Rent Legacy Lives On

Rapp insists his connection to Rent is not a burden but an honor. “It’s meant so much to so many people and still has staying power,” he said. This summer, he and Pascal will perform concerts in Kingston, New York, alongside other cast members, though no Broadway reunion is planned.

Looking Ahead

While Rapp remains open to reprising his Star Trek role, for now, fans can see him embody Syd Blatter in Touch through March 30. The production highlights his versatility and enduring passion for storytelling, blending personal sacrifice with artistic exploration.