Kennerly wins chance to try out for 'Rent' on Broadway

With just a tip from a friend and a homemade video, Aliza Kennerly '04 has been selected as one of three finalists in the "Wanna Be In Rent?" Casting Search, earning the opportunity to audition for the directors of Broadway's "Rent."

"My friend Rinaldo Martinez told me about it, and I thought it would be a fun way of getting my name out there," Kennerly said on how she got involved in the contest.

However, Kennerly didn't expect to win a trip to New York City as a finalist when she entered the casting search in December.

To audition for the role of Mimi, Kennerly submitted a tape of herself performing "Out Tonight" from "Rent". She recruited three friends, Michael Yang '04, Frankie Ng '04 and Ben Gerut '06, for help. Ng filmed the video, while Yang and Gerut were Kennerly's accompanists.

"Aliza mentioned to me that she was going to try out for a 'Rent' competition and that she needed a pianist to accompany her," Yang said.

Gerut was more then happy to help Kennerly with her performance. "Aliza has the looks, the voice, the acting ability, and all the necessary qualities that a director of a serious show would desire," he said.

After a couple of takes, the four made a video selected from hundreds to be one of the fifteen posted on the website. "I was so shocked to see myself on the site," Kennerly said.

This, however, was only the first step in winning the chance to audition for the directors of "Rent." Kennerly's video still had to be one of the top three vote-getters, an accomplishment she attributes to her fellow students.

"What really amazes me was how supportive the Princeton community has been," Kennerly said.

"I've had tons of people I don't know tell me that they voted from every computer they could find and that they told all their friends to do the same," she added.

Maggie Todd '05 was one of the many students who sent out mass emails in support of Kennerly. Todd, who has performed in shows with Kennerly, wanted to do as much as possible to ensure Kennerly had a chance to audition.

On campus, Kennerly has been involved in many shows, including "The Laramie Project" and "The Fix."

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"She's fascinating to watch on stage, not only because she is a beautiful girl, but because her kindness radiates through her performances," Todd said.

Aside from the audition, Kennerly will also receive a pair of tickets to see "Rent," backstage passes to meet the cast, dinner for two at Planet Hollywood and overnight accommodations at the Flatotel.

From now until Kennerly goes to New York, she plans on practicing everyday.

She said she knows this audition is a rare opportunity and wants to make sure she is as prepared as possible.

However, regardless of whether she gets the part or not, Kennerly is happy to have had this experience.

"I guess what's most important to me is for the Princeton community to know how grateful I am for the massive support," Kennerly said. "I'll do my best to make Princeton proud."