ON THIS DAY: 21 years ago, a rising composer genius by the name of Jonathan Larson unexpectedly died of an auric aneurysm on the same night of the very first preview performance / world premiere of what would become his groundbreaking hit musical….Rent.
The morning of his passing was nothing but emotional chaos for the cast, crew, musicians, and creative team of RENT as well as all of Jonathan’s family and friends. The first preview performance was cancelled for the public. However, the entire company of RENT brought over Jonathan’s family and friends over to the Theatre for a memorial semi-staging presentation of the show. However by the time they got to LA VIE BOHEME, the cast did remainder of the show with blocking but no costumes. All of Jonathan’s family and friends were laughing, crying, and cheering. As the show ended, the cast left the stage but then they noticed the audience was still in the Theater having a moment of silence. What broke the silence was a man crying out THANK YOU JONATHAN LARSON before erupting into another round of applause into a standing ovation.
For all you RENTheads, join our very own Michael tomorrow at 1:30pm for our INSPIRATION OF RENT walking tour. We meet up in front of New York Theatre Workshop (where it all began) before visiting areas that have taken place in the musical or what Jonathan was inspired by to create his Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning hit show.
THANK YOU JONATHAN LARSON! You taught us to MEASURE OUR LIVES IN LOVE and that there is NO DAY BUT TODAY!
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