TONYS 2008 Q&A: Robin De Jesus

Robin de Jesús became familiar to audiences when he shined brightly in the cult (and Broadway fan) favorite film, CAMP. In that motion picture he played the fiercely brave cross-dressing teen Michael, who was spending the summer at a theater camp for the very theatrically obsessed. Since that well regarded debut, he's never stopped working on both the stage and screen, including starring in the hit musical RENT. The energetic young actor can currently be found delighting Broadway audiences as Sonny in, In The Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda's passionate and dynamic musical love letter to life in WashingtonHeights. He created the role in the successful Off-Broadway run of the In The Heights. The musical received 13 Tony nominations, including one for the talented De Jesús for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. His excitement is infectious as he expressed his emotions regarding the news of his and the shows many nominations.

Eddie Varley: Congratulations! What a time for you and the show!

Robin de Jesús:  It's stupid! (Laughs)

Eddie Varley: (Laughs) Sometimes that's the perfect word to use isn't it?

Robin de Jesús: I keep, I just keep saying that since yesterday, it's stupid! And I hope God doesn't find that offensive!

Eddie Varley: "Stupid" can describe the thrill and joy of things, it works!

Robin de Jesús: That's how I feel, I can't believe it! I'm the kid who taped the Tony awards, and I would to use two VHS tapes because it would run out in the middle! I would have to label them parts one and two! Then five minutes later I would go back and watch them again and realize I didn't label them correctly! 

Eddie Varley: Look at you now, a Tony nominee yourself. To make it even more powerful you and the cast were all together when you found out about the incredible amount of nominations, right?

Robin de Jesús Yes! We were all together when we heard, we were getting ready to perform on Good Morning America, and someone had the nominations list. It's just, it's just so wonderful!

Eddie Varley: I remember seeing the show when it was in previews Off-Broadway, I was struck at how much I was moved by the music and the story of family and yearning. You've been with it since it's first workshop, it must be so gratifying as an actor to continue on this journey with it.

Robin de Jesús: I remember the first time in the workshop we heard "Paciencia Y Fe", it was just Olga (Merediz) singing and we were crying and it was a rehearsal studio with no lights and no costumes. The story and the emotions were there. And those characters, wow those are some characters and they continue to grow. 

Eddie Varley: Well you, you and the entire cast bring the show to such vivid life, again much congratulations and savor the experience of everything that's happening!

Robin de Jesús: Thank you so much. It's an amazing feeling!

Photo By Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.