Transcript Jonathan Larson (February 4, 1960 – January 25, 1996

Jonathan Larson
(February 4, 1960 – January 25, 1996)
Presentation by Kerri Kinard
Background information
Musical theater songwriter and librettist Jonathan Larson was
born on February 4, 1960, in Mount Vernon, NY, and grew up in
White Plains, NY, where he studied piano and music theory. He
studied acting and began writing musicals at Adelphi University,
from which he graduated with honors in 1982. After graduating,
he moved to the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan and,
over a period of 12 years, wrote the musical, the off-Broadway hit
"Tick...tick...BOOM!" It wasn't until 1994, however, that he began
work on what would be known as Rent. Finished in 1995, the
musical was set to go into previews off-Broadway in early 1996.
However, the night of the final dress rehearsal, Jonathan died of
an aortic dissection.
Best Known Musicals
▪ RENT
▪ Tick…Tick…BOOM
Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1996) for Rent
Tony Award for Best Musical(1996) for Rent
Tony Award for Best Book (1996) for Rent
Tony Award for Best Score (1996) for Rent
Drama Desk Outstanding Musical (1996) for Rent
Drama Desk Outstanding Book (1996) for Rent
Awards:
Sample of music
Style of composer
▪ He was noted for exploring the social issues of multiculturalism, addiction,
and homophobia in his work. He also wanted change Broadway from
consisting of sensational, uninspired musicals to meaningful, timely
productions. Example: In Rent,the songs communicate the characters'
reactions to artistic expression, unrequited love, illness, and death. The lyrics
and arrangements of the songs also reflect the ethnic diversity of the
characters.
▪ One of his biggest influence was Stephen Sondheim, who later became his
mentor and close friend.
Seasons of lovehttp://youtu.be/Zp5Eyt7knus
30/90http://youtu.be/gas2yE7AaGU