One of the most interesting aspects of studying musical theatre is the process of analyzing the music and lyrics. Throughout the history of the genre, fans seem to gravitate to their favorite songs, learning all the lyrics and choreography along the way. What separates musical theatre from other mediums within the performing arts is the potential for a variety of sounds to invoke emotions within performers and patrons. It may be the sound of a key on the piano, the veracity of a live orchestra, or the inflections and resonances of voices from exceptional performers like Idina Menzel. Since musicals are diverse and complex, there is a high probability that audience members will find something impactful they can take with them long after the show’s curtain call.
“I’ll Cover You” was composed by Jonathan Larson for the hit Broadway musical-RENT. The song was printed in the original score and developed while the show was in a theatre workshop in the mid-90s. Every song in the original score had to go through an evolution. While Larson conceived the music, the workshop presented a new challenge as he had to assemble a cast that could bring the sounds of the score to life. “I’ll Cover You” is one of the songs where an extensive development process needed to take place.
“I’ll Cover You” had an interesting evolution. It started in Larson’s mind, then was analyzed by the original director, and required unique sounds from cast members Jessie L. Martin and Wilson J. Heredia.
While the song was in Larson’s mind, he knew it needed a vibrant piano foundation. The keys formed chords that were played in mid-tempo. This created the musical foundation for the song. All the other production elements were layered over the piano like a tapestry. It created the perfect sound to feature characters who steadily use the lyrics to express their aspirations.
Since Larson had a pretty good grip on what the music should sound like, the director discovered how the song should come to life on stage through blocking, costumes, lighting, and other production elements. The costumes worn during the scene have become nearly as iconic as the song itself. From Tom Collins’ hat to Angel’s green stockings, the music and the performance were the perfect collaboration. On the stage, these elements were highlighted with spotlights and a color scheme intended to match the streets of New York at night. In the 2005 film rendition, the elements were presented with the natural light of New York on a typical day with other people walking down the street, merchants on the sidewalks and birds flying seemingly up and down the road.
Before the actors brought in their original ideas for the characters, Larson and the production team at the theatre workshop played sample audio files of “I’ll Cover You” in order to give them an idea as to what he would like the finished song to sound like. The two characters in the song have different voices; Angel is a tenor and Tom a bass. They were looking for Angel to sound like Stevie Wonder does on his early recordings. They wanted Tom to have a more traditional style soulful voice.
Jesse L. Martin found Tom’s voice rather quickly, as his natural singing matched the character’s tone. Wilson J. Heredia, on the other hand, took a bit more time to find the original voice for Angel. In the legendary tales of the original Broadway cast, Heredia and other performers remember the day he came into rehearsal and sang “I’ll Cover You” with a unique vocal that had the sound and feeling of a young Stevie Wonder. From that point, Heredia knew exactly how his character should sound on other songs, and it helped him discover Angel’s speaking voice.
“I’ll Cover You” is striking and well-placed within the musical. RENT features so many characters going thorough difficulties in their lives, it can make audience members (especially those whom are new to the show) think it may not be possible for the characters to develop a connection with each other. However, Tom and Angel (who are two individuals going through the toughest of times) find a way to develop a human connection with each other. “I’ll Cover You” gives audiences the opportunity to observe and understand the cultural significance of developing such a connection.