Rodney Hicks in COME FROM AWAY — Page 2

A message from Rodney:



"Another beautiful and soul fulfilling hike.

Before I share a quote I would like to first share briefly why I departed Come From Away.

I have a neurological disorder called Spasmodic Dysphonia. It is in the dystonia family and effects the voice.

Due to this condition I can no longer sing.

I can act, write, teach and more.

But my time as a professional singer for the stage has completed its run. I am overjoyed by all that has been learned and accomplished in these 24 years in musical theatre.

Our Extraordinary producers and Everyone at Come From Away have been there for me every step of the way. It's All been absolutely beautiful. I couldn't have asked for more.

I stand Grateful.

Now. Home to write.

Look forward to Today. Trust in Faith for the Hope that is Tomorrow. But be present for Today.

It's good to be Home.

Peace and Love to us All"

Updated On: 8/1/17 at 12:04 PM

That's so sad. He had a great career in musical theater.

Absolutely devastating for him. I know it can vary in severity, but it seems as if his is on the worse side. I'm sad will never hear him again, but I'm glad he'll continue as a writer and teacher in the community, as he's just as talented in both.

Wow, that is sad. He was by far my least favorite in an otherwise perfect ensemble when I saw the show in early June. I had no idea he was suffering, and I'm sure that's the reason I thought his speaking was so odd. I remember liking him back in his RENT days. Best of luck to him.

I know Shania Twain was diagnosed with this, And I think one of the dudes from my favorite teenage years rap group, Run DMC.

I'm not familiar with his work, but this breaks my heart. I too have a form of vocal dystonia due to misdiagnosed and untreated tonsillitis from my youth, but it affects only the muscles in my throat, not the vocal folds themselves. I get Botox treatments for it and am still able to sing, but it can be very painful and sometimes affects my diction and resonance.

Dystonia in the vocal folds can also be treated with Botox, so I hope that one day his voice recovers.

MyLife said: "ashley0139 said: "Wow, that is sad. He was by far my least favorite in an otherwise perfect ensemble when I saw the show in early June. I had no idea he was suffering, and I'm sure that's the reason I thought his speaking was so odd. I remember liking him back in his RENT days. Best of luck to him."

That's unfortunate. Rodney was the standout for me (along with Jenn and Astrid) when I saw the show back during previews. I'm truly saddened by this news. Why do bad things have to happen to good people? Rodney has such an extraordinarily positive outlook regarding his future and it keeps me hopeful. And, if his stage career had to end then I'm glad he went out with this incredible cast in such a meaningful show like CFA.



"

I wonder if those few months were the difference. It was very affected and distracting when I saw him.

The cast is really fantastic across the board. I feel lucky that I got to see the original cast in its entirety. I don't know that I would see it without Jenn and Kendra though.

hpeabody930 said: "De'Lon is an EXTRAORDINARY performer. Saw him in Scottsboro Boys in Boston last year, and I know he's gonna be real good in CFA"

I couldn't find much in the way of performance videos on YouTube, but I did find this one which pretty much tells me all I need to know. I think he'll be great in the role:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=427xhWXWoSs

Another message from Rodney:

"

Know this. I've had many moments of sadness and felt depression over not having the singing voice I came to know and love. But to sit in that, is just that. Sitting.

I've worked hard in these past six years to find, establish and maintain my inner joy and peace.

I had already transitioned into a life and career that would differ from the main focus I once knew. Three years ago when I received the call to do the lab of Come From Away, I said Yes, and my life changed too. I am proud and happy for every moment. And grateful to have had the extraordinary opportunity for three beautiful years to create and portray such a wonderful and funny man named Bob. A stranded and confused African Passenger named Muhamusa. A sexy and confident Captain named Bristol, my silent guy named Larry (Inside joke), and many others.

So incredibly happy and proud of my dear friend, stand by and dance captain extraordinaire, Josh Breckenridge, who absolutely Shines and is Sensational in the role(s).

I've now seen the show three times and I know there will be many more.

I look forward to seeing, De'Lon Grant, also shine like the star that he is.

My heart and hat go off to these beautiful men and to everyone in our Come From Away family.

New Chapter. I'm ready to go. SD doesn't have a thing on me. It's simply another part that I have embraced and made friends with. Onward. LOVE."





I absolutely adore his endlessly positive outlook. He makes me smile every time I think of him.