Tim Howar

Currently: Making his Broadway debut as soulful singer/guitarist Roger in Rent.

Hometown: Born in Spirit River, Northern Alberta, Canada. "I was like three months old when we lost our farm," Howar reports. "Crazy, right? Otherwise I'd be farming." The Red Leaf native and his family moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where he became interested in music--not farming. "It's a strange life."

Lighting His Candle: Howar was bitten by the show biz bug early. He sang with three different youth choirs, joined the Edmonton Musical Theater Amateur Group and scored a scholarship to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. "I got into theater from my mom," recalls Howar lovingly. When Rent played Toronto, the then 20-year-old Howar says, "I thought it was fantastic! I really wanted to play Roger or Mark. But I was too young," Howar says with a laugh. "I had all the attitude. You know, the young guy going, 'I can do that!' But I wasn't ready for it."

Rocker Gets Chick and Caffeine Kick!: Despite an impressive list of international credits he toured the U.S. with Les Miserables, toured Canada in the title role of Tommy and originated the role of Stu Clutterbuck in the Rod Stewart musical Tonight's the Night, Howar's really a rock 'n' roller at heart. "Going to the U.K. was one of my big things," he says. "I love theater, but I went there to start a rock band." Years later, Van Tramp, for which he is the lead singer, is finally striking a chord. Check out www.vantramp.com. Meanwhile, trekking to England had its perks: Howar met his wife, British stage star Ruthie Henshall, during a West End production of Peggy Sue Got Married. He remembers the production fondly. "I'd do one dance number, then one big duet with Ruthie. Ride a motorcycle on stage, steal the girl, write songs in my dressing room. And brew coffee for everybody!"

Growth in Futures: Having joined Rent on January 30, Howar is definitely the newbie in the cast. "I'm the fresh face," he chuckles."Of course, you always want the relationships to grow right off the top. And they don't. The possibilitiy is fantastic to have lifelong friends from this, so I have to give it time." Still, life at the Nederlander is starting to feel like home. "I get that feeling right now. I really like coming in to work and having that physical working space. I walk into work, and get a great big hug--and it's not a phoned-in hug! I respect the company. I respect their work. You can't do a show like that eight times a week and not have an investment--a personal investment--in it."

Tomato, Tomahto: Now that he's performed extensively on both sides of the pond, how does he think New York compares to London? "In Britain," he notes, "the theater's fantastic--they're very experimental. The off-off-West End theater is some of the most crazy and adventurous. I think their standards are really high as far as production is concerned. But they don't have a stronger union, so they don't have to pay [the actors] as much. So that cuts the costs; they can get away with a lot more there. It's so nice to come to Broadway," he laughs, "and be looked after!"

Family Man: Powerhouse coupleeHowar and Henshall have two daughters, Lily and Dolly, both under five. Fatherhood gives Howar a glow. "It's just awesome being a parent," he gushes. "I keep going, 'What have I been waiting for?!'" For Howar, who swears his Olivier Award-winning wife is even a better mom than a performer, the sacrifices are worth it. "Before we had kids we'd sleep until, you know, 12 o'clock, get up, do a two o'clock matinee--kind of a bohemian life. We don't have that anymore," he laughs, "but we're plugged into real life." Though Howar and Henshall discussed writing some children's albums together, the question is: Will they ever share the stage again? "I love singing with her," he smiles. "She does have that sparkle. I'd love it if something like Mary Poppins came around for both of us."

Working the Crowd: If one is performing in Rent, one cannot ignore its cult-like fan base, known, of course, as Rentheads. Howar has nothing but respect for the show's followers. "God bless 'em. They knew I was coming into the show before I knew I was coming into the show! I'm serious! These are savvy fans. They know what they're doing. They just pick me out! They're like, 'Hey, you're the new Roger!' I'm like, 'I'm the guy in the duffel coat, sneaking back.' I don't even look like Roger, I don't even know the role yet, I'm sitting in the back, and they know me! It's nice to be included in that. I've never had that before!"

American Idol: Having sold tickets and worked front-of-house to pay the bills, Howar has seen both sides of the stage and appreciates an audience's admiration. After all, he's got a track record as a fan himself: "I remember I waited 45 minutes to see Mandy Patinkin after his Dress Casual tour," he says. "I was the only guy waiting to say hello to him. But Mandy Patinkin talked to me for 15 minutes while his limo was waiting there in the snow. In freezing Toronto! And I'll never forget that. I was really young, and I just thought: Awesome!"