MAKING RENT at The Laurie Beechman Theatre Will Celebrate 30 Years of RENT

As Rent celebrates 30 years of changing Broadway forever, the Laurie Beechman Theatre is kicking off Pride Week in NYC with a very special one-night event: MAKING RENT on Monday, June 22 at 7PM. In connection with his recently published book of the same name, original Rent music director and Jonathan Larson's longtime collaborator Tim Weil takes audiences behind the scenes of one of the most influential musicals of all time. From his first days as audition accompanist to helping shape Rent's Signature Sound, and ultimately helping bring Larson's unfinished masterpiece to life after the composer's sudden passing, Weil offers an unforgettable firsthand look at the Broadway score that defined a generation.

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. 

The night will also welcome special guest artists from Broadway and touring productions of Rent, including Justin Johnson, Robin Walker, Matt Caplan, Tori Palin, and original Rent band guitarist Kenny Brescia, for live musical performances, cut moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and rare insights into the show's development.

Audiences can also look forward to a Q&A, exclusive musical deep dives into key songs like “What You Own” and “Take Me or Leave Me,” and a chance to sing along as the entire room unites for the beloved Rent tradition of “Seasons of Love.” Following the performance, Tim Weil will sign copies of his book for guests; bring your own copy or purchase one at the event. 

For Rent fans, theater lovers, and anyone whose life was forever changed by Larson's revolutionary score, this promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of love, legacy, and the music that continues to inspire theater goers around the world.