​Rufus Wainwright's "Wainwright Does Weill" is a compelling tribute series that delves into the rich and complex songbook of German-American composer Kurt Weill. Known for his theatrical flair and vocal prowess, Wainwright brings a unique interpretation to Weill's compositions, which are celebrated for their fusion of classical, cabaret, and jazz elements.​

Premiering in May 2023 at New York City's Café Carlyle, "Wainwright Does Weill" marked Wainwright's first extensive exploration of Weill's repertoire. The series featured performances of iconic songs such as "Surabaya Johnny," "Je ne t’aime pas," "September Song," and "Lost in the Stars." Wainwright expressed a lifelong admiration for Weill's music, noting its unique melodic DNA and the blend of "pop music with an operatic sensibility, the profane with the divine."

The series expanded beyond New York, including a notable concert in London that was filmed for a 2024 TV special titled "Wainwright Does Weill" . Additionally, Wainwright performed with the Pacific Jazz Orchestra at the Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles

The show not only honors Weill’s legacy but also continues Wainwright’s lifelong exploration of artists who, like him, live at the crossroads of high art, pop culture, and emotional excess.

At its core, Wainwright Does Weill is less about perfect preservation of the past and more about breathing new life into it—channeling Weill’s music through a 21st-century lens with wit, grandeur, and unapologetic heart.