2006-11-06 14:51:44 · 7 answers · asked by Toyre_826 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
Jonathan Larson
2006-11-06 14:55:32 · answer #1 · answered by Virginie B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In case you would like to learn more about the composer, Jonathan Larson, do yahoo search for Jonathan Larson which will pull up a biography on Wikipedia of this very talented young composer who died an untimely death at age 35 right before the hit performance of "Rent".
One of the unusual things about this production that I did not find in the biography was something that I experienced several years ago while living in Austin, Texas. The touring company of "Rent" came to the Concert Hall at the University of Texas. My son was dating a young woman who I can only call a "Rent Groupee" (Didn't know until that time that there were such things) She had seen Rent about 30 times in various cities, as had dozens and dozens of other (mainly) young people who would go to the theater where it was being performed, usually spend the night on the grounds (camp out) and be there when the box office opened the next morning. Apparently either the composer or the production company, or someone in authority over the production of this musical had an idea that musical theater should be available to all people, not just the ones that could afford big ticket prices, so the front row seats (or maybe it was two rows) were sold at the box office when it opened the day of the show for $20.00 a piece - one person could only purchase two tickets - this prevented anyone from buying 100 seats and profiting by resale. My son and his girlfriend were among the campers in Austin - there were many others that she knew there, and it was just like a family reunion! They knew all the stars of the show, had become friends of others who loved the musical from all over the country and traveled to see it to the far ends of the country. Anyway, they each secured two seats, inviting my daughter, who was then about 17 or so and I to share the tickets.
I sat front row center on my birthday and watched this wonderful musical and enjoyed it immensely. My daughter cried because she thought it was so beautiful and because there were many touching moments in the story, which deals with many social themes, but included HIV and Aids. We know that the people who sat two rows directly behind us paid a HEFTY price for their tickets. Just thought that this was interesting.
Also, during the performance we saw lots of people who had brought their children to the great Broadway production Rent, perhaps not knowing the themes within the production, and even though we thought it wonderful, some got up and left - more than a few - in the middle of the production. It is not "The Wizard of OZ" or "Oliver" but a thought provoking, adult oriented production with absolutely gorgeous music, great acting and wonderful movement. I would have taken any of my children (who are all grown now) to this production at any time after they were say, maybe 10 years old, but it might not be suitable for all ages - not a criticism - there are G rated movies and R rated movies, just as there are live productions with the same qualities. Doesn't mean one is good and one bad, just means pay attention if you are a parent. This may be one to leave the little kiddies at home. It also might not be so enjoyable for people with unenlightened ideas, although they might be a little more enlightened if they learned something from this production. Just thought you might like some further information. Visit Wikipedia for info on Mr. Larson. I'm sorry we will not have years of his brilliant composing.
2006-11-07 00:24:35 · answer #2 · answered by kathy s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jonathan Larson........There is an excellent Biography about Larson in the extras on the Rent the movie dvd
2006-11-07 22:19:47 · answer #3 · answered by tweetyfi84 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the greatest men in musical theatre history..Jonathan Larson......he also did Tick Tick Boom....which is just amazing as Rent is.
2006-11-07 21:58:40 · answer #4 · answered by Camplvr08 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup, Johnathon Larson... He also completed Tick Tick Boom, but it was never released until after his death.
2006-11-06 23:41:45 · answer #5 · answered by Meg Z 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jonathan Larson baby!!!! RIP jonathan... :*(
2006-11-07 19:07:32 · answer #6 · answered by Angelofmusic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jonathon Larson...he died just before it premiered off-Broadway.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathon_Larson
2006-11-06 23:08:11 · answer #7 · answered by Courtlyn 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋