Nearly a year after her headline-making health crisis, a triumphant Keala Settle took the stage on Sunday night in Fox’s live production ofRentto sing the inspiring solo in the musical’s signature song, “Season of Love.”
The Tony-nominated actress, 43, had fans cheering online for her performance, Settle’s first since singingThe Greatest Showman’sinspiring anthem “This Is Me” at the 2018 Academy Awards.
Days before that performance, while rehearsing for it last February, Settle lost half of her body’s motor functions after she suffered a mini-stroke — one that would lead doctors to diagnose her with a rare cerebrovascular disorder known as Moyamoya disease.
That was only the beginning. Since the operation last April, Settle has immersed herself in months of cognitive and physical therapy to relearn how to walk, talk, write, and yes, sing. She will be on medication for the rest of her life.
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As terrifying as it was, Settle told PEOPLE exclusively in November that the ordeal has had a positive experience on her life
“It’s shifted me in ways I’m still understanding,” she marveled. “The way that I look at the world is so completely different. I’m more at peace than I’ve ever been; I can find the joy in things I never could. This truly gave me another lease on life.”
“The universe had its chance to take me and I’m still here,” she added. “I’m just so grateful to be alive and I’m not giving that up.”
“Coming off ofShowman, post-surgery, and going into a theater project, it’s exciting,” she said, “And it feels like home! I miss the stage very much.”
RELATED PHOTOS: See How the Cast ofRent LiveCompares to the Original Broadway Cast!
She also praised director Michael Greif for helping her. “Michael is one of the most endearing, loyal, and sensitive directors I’ve ever worked with,” she said. “I had the privilege of working with him on a 54 Below project calledBright Lights, Big Citya few years ago. It was an amazing experience and I was hoping someday to have the chance to work with him again. And it’s here!”
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Loosely based on the operaLa Boheme,Jonathan Larson’s Tony- and Pulitzer-winning rock musicalRenttells the story of a group of New York City artists dealing with the HIV/AIDS crisis in 1989.
In addition to Settle, the Fox production also stars Vanessa Hudgens, Jordan Fisher, Brennin Hunt, Tinashe, Kiersey Clemons, Mario, andRuPaul’s Drag Racefavorite Valentina.
source: people.com
