From lean times, a serving of success by JOE NEUMAIER
When he successfully auditioned for "Rent" in 1995, Jesse L. Martin - who plays the HIV-positive teacher Tom Collins - recognized the show's creator, Jonathan Larson, from another life.
Today is Monday, October 26, 2026 Broadway Baby Birthdays: Will Swenson Anthony Rapp Thomas Cavanagh Natalie Merchant Patrick Breen Rita Wilson D. W. Moffett Robert Westenberg Rondi Reed Holly Woodlawn Maureen Anderman William Duff T. C. Jones Ivor Francis Natasha Dana Thomas Palmer Mahalia Jackson Lionel Hale Rosamond Pinchot Jack Sharkey Ellis Baker Margaret Wycherly Lewis Casson H. B. Warner Frank McGlynn Charles M. Hallard Edward Harrigan Neil Meron John Arden James E. Myers