Tim Weil: Making RENT

 

From his first day as audition accompanist through his elevation to musical director, Tim Weil was a critical collaborator with Larson in developing Rent’s unique sound. And when, on the eve of the company’s first public performance, Larson died unexpectedly, Weil was there to finesse a still-unfinished show into the musical Larson had long dreamed of.

Tim will be onstage with Jennifer Ashley Tepper, a noted theater historian and author, who conceived The Jonathan Larson Project and wrote a foreword for "Making Rent." They will have a conversation about the book, the creation of Rent, Jonathan Larson’s vision, and the extraordinary journey from workshop to phenomenon. 

They will be joined by various company members of Rent from the Broadway show and tours; Justin Johnson (who was also the first Black man to play Roger), Robin Walker (Joanne), Matt Caplan (Mark), Tori Palin (Maureen), and guitarist Kenny Brescia from the original Rent band.

 

There will be a short Q&A, then Tim will go through some of the musical sequences from the book that were important in the development of the show, including the creation of "What You Own" and the development of the last song he wrote, "Take Me or Leave Me" with those talented performers. There will be other sequences as well, and the audience will get to sing-a-long too!  Because, of course, we couldn't finish the evening without everyone in the room singing "Seasons of Love” together, a Rent tradition that's been going on for thirty years. So, bring your phones with those Rent lyrics, people!  (Like you don't know every word by heart!)

 

After the show, Tim will meet guests for book signings - books will be available for purchase, or bring your own!  

 

Viva La Vie Boheme!