2026 marks the 40th anniversary of homosexual law reform in New Zealand and also the 30th anniversary of Jonathan Larson's musical RENT! So what better way to pay tribute to our queer communities than a personalised message from the Tony awarding winning Wilson Jermaine Heredia. Wilson originated the role of Angel in the Broadway production of RENT, the West End production and later in the 2005 film version. No Day But Today!
Summary
Wilson Jermaine Heredia sends warm greetings from the United States to the Rainbow communities of Aotearoa New Zealand, marking two major anniversaries in 2026: 40 years since homosexual law reform in New Zealand and 30 years since Rent first appeared Off-Broadway.
He reflects on originating the role of Angel in Rent on Broadway, in the West End, and in the 2005 film, describing Angel as a figure of pure love, representation, acceptance and community. Heredia explains that he had not originally imagined himself in musical theatre because he had never seen someone like himself represented there. Rent changed that, and Angel became deeply meaningful to many people across queer and Rainbow communities.
Heredia emphasises that representation matters: many different “Angels” need to be seen, respected and celebrated in all their colours and intensities. He also acknowledges that rights remain under threat, particularly in the United States, and says the struggle for equality continues until everyone is treated as equal. His message is one of solidarity: to keep fighting, to not hide, to show who we are, to protect one another, and to celebrate each other.
He connects this directly to Rent’s enduring themes of community, unconditional love and acceptance, saying the goal is not tolerance but true acceptance. Heredia promises to keep fighting for queer communities in the United States and asks Rainbow communities in New Zealand to keep fighting too.
The message ends with him singing part of “Seasons of Love”, offering love and light, and closing with Rent’s iconic reminder: “no day, but today.”
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