The Jonathan Larson Effect

The Jonathan Larson Effect: How Rent Changed the American Musical Theatre Experience Libation Lecture

Larson lived in poverty, waited tables, and worked seven years to bring his rock opera “Rent” to the stage — only to collapse and die the night before previews were to open at the Off-Broadway New York Theater Workshop.

Rent became an enormous success and achieved Larson’s ambition of updating musical theater and making it relevant to younger audiences.

This lecture coincides with the theatre show Rent, on stage at the FAC May 2–June 2.

Themed drink: Bohemian Cocktail
Lecturer: J. Chang-Tablada, Resident Cabaret Artist and FAC Theatre Company Music Director