World Premiere Set for New Jonathan Larson Musical Featuring Unearthed Songs from Rent and tick, tick… BOOM!
A newly discovered collection of songs by Rent and tick, tick… BOOM! creator Jonathan Larson will soon take the stage in an Off-Broadway production. The Jonathan Larson Project, a musical featuring more than 20 previously unheard songs, will begin its world premiere this February. The limited 16-week engagement is set to open at the Orpheum Theatre in Manhattan’s East Village, with previews starting February 14 and an official opening night scheduled for March 10.
The project showcases material Larson wrote that has never been part of a fully staged production. This includes songs cut from Rent and tick, tick… BOOM!, as well as work from his lesser-known musicals like 1984 and Superbia. Additionally, the production highlights pieces written for radio, theatrical revues, and songs that have never been publicly performed or recorded.
The idea for The Jonathan Larson Project was developed over several years as Jennifer Ashley Tepper explored Larson’s archives. The extensive collection contained recordings, scripts, personal letters, journals, and photographs that revealed a rich tapestry of his creative vision. These rediscovered works offer a deeper look at Larson’s artistry, showcasing his ability to capture political and personal themes through music. The production aims to highlight Larson’s ambition to revolutionize musical theatre and provide a new perspective on his legacy.
Although some of these songs were introduced during a 2018 concert series at 54 Below and released on a 2019 album, this marks the first time they will be presented as part of a fully staged theatrical production. The creative team for The Jonathan Larson Project includes music supervision and orchestrations by Charlie Rosen, with additional contributions from Natalie Tenenbaum. Choreography will be led by Byron Easley, and music direction will be handled by Cynthia Meng.
The production is being brought to life by a team of seasoned producers, including Richard Frankel, Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch, and Marc Routh. With its debut, the musical will celebrate Larson’s remarkable contributions to the theatre world while introducing audiences to the lesser-known works he left behind.
By bringing these songs to the stage, The Jonathan Larson Project offers both longtime fans and new audiences an opportunity to experience the depth of Larson’s creativity. The show serves as a tribute to the composer’s enduring impact on musical theatre and a reminder of the artistic legacy he created before his untimely death. The Jonathan Larson Estate, represented by Paradigm and Guzman Law Group, continues to preserve and share his extraordinary work with the world.
