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

▪ Tick…Tick…BOOM▪ RENT

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 love- http://youtu.be/Zp5Eyt7knus 30/90- http://youtu.be/gas2yE7AaGU