Reggie Guyton does it all. Whether he's behind the scenes directing, an artist-in-residence, acting at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum or representing District 21 on the Sangamon County Board, he gives 110%. Guyton is even one of the founding members of P.U.R.P.L.E (People United for Reform, Power, Liberty, and Equity) Coalition launching Oct. 14 – a group created to confront community misconduct, fight for accountability and change the way our community is heard by the powers that be, according to organizers.
That commitment to the common thread of humanity is likely one of the reasons IT readers understood his poignant and raw performance as Tom Collins in RENT was worthy of top honors. RENT, at its core, is a musical about the fragility of life and the fierce necessity of community. The particular passion Guyton brought to this role bloomed from his personal life, making the entire experience cathartic.
"I've wanted to portray Tom Collins for a long time," Guyton said. "My uncle Bobby passed from complications of HIV/AIDS, so in a way, I got to imagine the man he could have been."
Every note of his performance brought soul and a genuine weight, which grounded the character's emotional journey. Guyton attributes his success to the love and support of his RENT family and the connection they built both on and off the stage.
"It was like breaking your heart open so that it could heal and expand – truly so much love and joy," Guyton said.
