‘Rent’ to Mark 30 Years With Broadway Cares Benefit Concert

A 30th anniversary concert of “Rent” will take place on Broadway this fall, bringing together original creative team members and cast for a one-night-only benefit performance.

The event is scheduled for October 26 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Original director Michael Greif will helm the performance, with original music director Tim Weil returning to lead the show’s band, including musicians Kenny Brescia, Stephanie Mack, Jeff Potter, and Daniel A. Weiss.

Casting for the concert will include members of the original Broadway company, along with additional guest performers. The full lineup has not yet been announced.

The benefit is being produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in partnership with Baseline Theatrical founder Andy Jones. Proceeds will support Broadway Cares’ ongoing programs providing meals, health care, and financial assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses.

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“Rent” premiered in 1996 at New York Theatre Workshop before transferring to Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre, where it went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Loosely based on La Bohème, the show brought a contemporary rock score and modern themes to Broadway, centering on a group of artists navigating life in New York City during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis.

The musical ran for 12 years and 5,123 performances before closing in 2008. It also generated a multi-platinum cast album, a feature film adaptation, and numerous productions worldwide.

The original Broadway cast included Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Idina Menzel, Fredi Walker, and Taye Diggs. 

Tickets for the concert will go on sale June 1 through BroadwayCares.org.