Jonathan Larson- Page 3

[thespian geek]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 1:55am

10 years. That is a long, long time. I want to re-post part of a post made here when production for the film had just begun , as what Anthony had to say still hits me hard.

After the reading, we had the peasant feast, which as most of you probably know is a continuation of a tradition that Jonathan started for his friends back in NYC. He would cook a turkey and they would bring side dishes and share a holiday feast that they were all too poor to have on their own. In 1995, Jonathan held his last peasant feast, but instead of inviting his friends, he invited the cast and artistic staff of the Off-Broadway production of Rent, because he wanted all of us to know our job was to embody his friends, to honor them, and he wanted all of us to begin our road to lifelong friendship. It was a very special night, and after his death, his family took it upon themselves to continue the tradition for all of the future companies of Rent that they could get to. They have literally held them around the country, and around the world.

And at the feast, in addition to some delicious food, each of Jonathan's six friends shared some memories of Jonathan, in an effort to bring him even that much more present. It was very moving to watch them struggle at times to get through their own tears as they talked about how special he was in their lives, about how much they had seen him fight to get his work out there in the world, about how much he did try to live each day to the fullest. His friend Eddie Rosenstein talked about their fellow obsession with numbers, especially the numbers three and nine, and how perfect they were: three is the emobodiment of the building blocks of the universe (beginning, middle, and end; proton, neutron, electron, etc.), and nine is the embodiment of rebirth (it's "three on steroids," as Eddie said, and the length of human gestation, etc.). Then he fought back tears as he remarked that wasn't it perfect that this film was starting almost exactly nine years to the day of Jonathan's death, given Jonathan's interest in such cosmic notions?

At the end of the night, we got to watch a little bit of video of Jonathan performing songs from his one-man version of Tick, Tick... Boom! It never ceases to amaze me how full of life and anger and joy and talent he was, and it was right up there on the screen for us to see. He sang Johnny Can't Decide, Sunday Brunch, and Why, and as usual I was pretty much destroyed by the end of Why. It is such a cruel irony that he was gone right at the cusp of his life changing forever, after he gave so much of his life to his work. But his legacy will certainly live forever in people's hearts and memories, and now with the film, we have the opportunity to make it last longer, in an even more tangible way. We only get to do the film once, and Chris said to the Larsons that he promises to make a great film, and I am certain that he wouldn't make such a pledge if he didn't mean it.

I personally believe Chris lived up to that pledge, and I honestly think that Jonathan would be so proud of what was made. To see his show brought to the big screen, so even more people who had never experienced it on stage could see and feel the story. I know a lot of people hate the fans of Rent that became fans because of the film, but you know what? Jonathan would have welcomed them with open arms. They wouldn't be a fan of story if it hadn't affected them in some way, and isn't that what Jonathan wanted to do? To open the eyes and hearts of people with something so powerful that it could help make a difference?

There's really nothing more to say on the subject of Jonathan's death. I've been a fan of his since the first time I saw Rent, and then finding ttB a few years ago.. that just solidified it. His work changed my life and I am eternally grateful to him for that. And even though I didn't know him and sadly never will? He was a great, great man and is missed more often than is expressed.
Updated On: 1/25/06 at 01:55 AM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 2:09am

these entries are so touching. Jonathon really did change many lives, including mine.

[xM3L24x]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 10:29am

thank you, jonathan larson<3
-no day but today-

[Billboard Girl]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 10:40am

On the anniversary of Jonathan's passing, I can only marvel at how the work he created during his short time on earth has touched so many lives and wonder how much more he could have accomplished had his life not been cut so tragically short.

[RENTingFAME]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 1:54pm

Thespian geek thanks for posting that...

I find it fitting my RENT bible arrived just 2 days ago... It's comforting to know Jonathan truly lives on in every performance of RENT, through every playing of the soundtrack, and every ounce of obsession in his fans. I'm so glad this thread is here so we can all recognize what an amazing person Jonathan was and what a contribution he still is to the world of Theatre, New York, Bohemia, to everywhere. Jonathan is timeless.

[thejcm]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 3:45pm

Thank you Jonathan Larson!

You'll be in our hearts, minds, and ears forever.

[broadway_baby4]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 3:53pm

I don't even know what to write, but I just wanted to say thank you to Jonathan Larson, who lives on in every RENThead's hearts. It was because of Jonathan that I first got into theater when I was six years old and first saw RENT, and I can't even expess how thankful I am to him, as cheesy as that may sound.

[Fizz]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 4:22pm

RENT has changed my outlook on life, all because of this man.

I only wish I knew someone with as much heart and talent as he had in his pinky.
Updated On: 1/25/06 at 04:22 PM

[neocomposer]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 4:41pm

In an amazingly NOT cheesey way, this man and his legacy have done so much and I know my life is different because of him.

THANK YOU!!

[gavrochegirl]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 6:38pm

Thank you for everything, Jonathan.

[Broadway4Life2]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 7:28pm

It's kind of a coincidence that today is the day I received my RENT Bible. RIP Jonathan Larson. Thanks again for what you've done.

[YankeesFan175]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 7:36pm

he will be so missed. i can only imagine how many other amazing shows he could have written. i could ramble on and on, but i think all i need to say is:

thank you jonathan larson. the world was truely blessed by you and your words. we really were the lucky ones.


*turns on Love Heals*

[iheartcheyenne123]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 7:56pm

Thank you Jonathan Larson. For everything. Your spirit still lives through Rent. I'm sure you are extremely proud of what the cast and the show has accomplished over the past 10 years. You forever live in our hearts and are very missed.

No Day But Today

[Overthemoon6]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 7:58pm

Thank you Jonathan Larson. There's nothing more really to say; the numbers of audiences who are inspired and cry and learn every night at Rent speak for themselves.

[iheartcheyenne123]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 7:58pm

it's wierd..Love Heals has been stuck in my head ALL day..and i didn't even listen to it

[bwaylover86]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 8:10pm

Just reading this thread is going to make me cry lol. Thank you Jonathan Larson for all the gifts you left behind for us, you are truly missed. RIP

[Katurian2]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 8:19pm

OK- I just had the worst day of my life today. I got to school and everything was silent. I asked a girl what was going on and she said that "A kid shot himself." Naturally, this news alone was shocking to me, as I walked through the halls I saw groups of people crying. When I found one of my closer friends, she informed me that the "kid" was someone I had known very well. I was totally devastated. The entire lower half of my body went numb and I felt tingeling all over. I didn't even blink for about 3 minutes, and then, it was only to cry. I couldn't understand why someone so young (A sophmore in high school) would end their life. I isolated myself from everyone and felt angry that someone even dared to laugh on the way to class. Luckily, I brought my ipod to school. The RENT music came on: Without You and I'll Cover You Reprise. I remembered everything that I learned from RENT-that a life is something to celebrate. I still couldn't pull myself together, but hearing RENT gave me the courage to help out my other friends and those who needed support. I have never had a friend/family member die before, so this was a horrible day. I can't stop thinking about it. But I know that I should stay with my friends and we should support each other. Love Heals. Thank you for teaching us that Jonathan Larson.

[BwayBallerina2]

Posted: 1/25/06 at 8:56pm

I've had a tough past few months, and Jonathans music has gotten me through so much. I saw Rent (4th time!) on Saturday, and it's such a huge part of my life. These lyrics from TTB just break my heart...

I want to write music. I want to sit down right now at my piano, and write a song that people will listen to, and remember, and do the same thing, every morning, for the rest of my lfe.

We did listen, and we will remember. Thank you, Jonathan Larson. No Day But Today...I hope I can learn to truly live by your words.
Updated On: 1/25/06 at 08:56 PM