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Joshua Kobak was last seen in the musical "RENT" (Broadway 2002-2003, Second National Tour 2000-2001). In the show Joshua was a swing and understudied the roles of Mark Cohen and Roger Davis, and the male ensemble roles of Gordon, Steve, Paul, and Mr. Jefferson and others.

The Benny Tour during "Seasons of Love"

In 1996 RENT opened on Broadway to much acclaim and enthusiasm. It went on to win a Pulitzer Prize (for drama), 1996 Tony Award Winner (for Best Musical, score, and book), 1996 Outer Critics Circle Award Winner (Best Off-Bway Musical), 1996 New York Drama Critics Circle Award Winner (Best Musical), 1996 Drama Desk Award Winner (Best Musical, Music, Lyrics, Book), 1996 Obie Award Winner (Book, Music, and Lyrics!). Sadly the writer of the show Jonathan Larson was not around to see all the acclaim, he died the night before the off-Broadway previews began from an aeortic aneurysm.

RENT became very popular and so it was decided that tours would begin making their rounds in the United States.

On July 1, 1997 the second national tour of RENT opened in La Jolla, CA. The tour stayed in southern California until February 1998. When Matt Caplan took over for Scott Hunt in the role of Mark Cohen, Joshua replaced him as a swing/understudy. Joshua requested his first show be on Scott Hunt's last day and he was able play Roger to his Mark at both the matinee and the evening shows (thank you Cary Shields!) on January 30th, 2000.

Joshua stayed with the musical as a swing until it closed on July 15, 2001 in San Franciso, CA. His final performance was in the role of Roger Davis on July 13, 2001. For the Joshua's performance history and tour schedule check out the gigs section.

Joshua Kobak made his Broadway debut with "RENT" as a swing in 2002, June 21-July 20, July 25-August 10, and August 23-September 8. Joshua returns to "RENT" on Broadway as a swing starting January 4, 2003.

For more information on RENT visit The Official Site.
For more information on the Benny Tour visit www.bennytour.com
Buy the Original Broadway Cast Recording.
Buy the RENT book featuring photos, history, and complete script.

RENT Bios

Broadway:
Joshua Kobak (Understudy) attended CCM, moved to NYC with his band SWIM, and gigs out regularly. In '01, they recorded their second album, above and beneath, while on tour with the Rent Benny Company. He is happy to make his Broadway debut with Rent. He's a co-founder of the LIILAA Company, which produced the musical and theatrical inventions The Colors of Love and Subway Train. For more information visit click www.joshuakobak.com.

Benny Tour:
Joshua Kobak (Swing/Understudy). Attended CCM, moved to NYC with his band Swim, recorded an album and gigs out regularly. He's a co-founder of The Lila Company, who produce theatrical inventions; The Colors of Love, Subway Train, Collective Creative Minds. He thanks God, his family, Mickey, Katy and Scott. For more information visit www.joshuakobak.com.

 

RENT pictures