Erin Moriarity tells the story of Jonathan Larson and "Rent," covering the development and opening night of the show for "48 Hours." This features snippets of the original cast performing.
Jonathan Larsons story is easily one of the worst stories I’ve ever heard. I only found out today and my blood is boiling. As an artist I would rather die a century before my work is valued, than to die only a few hours before the peak of my career. He worked sooo hard for so long then won every single award he could’ve dreamed of but post-humously. What kind of sick destiny is that? 😓
See it this way. Johnathan worked for his dreams to have a musical produced, and it happened. His dreams came true, probably never would have expected all the attention tho. Also, he apparently was self aware about his mortality, it is why he worked hard. A lot of successful people get careers handed to them so it makes sense that someone who didn't have things get handed to them takes way longer.
What kind of stupidly sick mindset thinks the life he led was a "sick destiny"?? While Larson's life ending the way it did was certainly tragic and heartbreaking - I'm not sure throwing words like "blood boiling" and "sick destiny" are fitting for his life.
It's not like he knew it happened. He basically passed out, so he wasn't aware of what happened. It's only his friends and the world who knew the tragic coincidence of what actually occurred. He didn't know that he died. His life ended in JOY, because he knew it was going to premiere that night. That's all he knew.
i totally agree that it is so sad and i wish more than anything he could know how much his work has been appreciated but think about it this way, rent was opening off broadway, that’s a pretty big milestone! he had to know that it got pretty far and people were already liking it enough for that to happen i’d assume
By the wayWtf? Seriously. One song glory in the background while larson's roommate talks about when he found him dead?Are you trying to kill me, people?!
"How do you measure a year in the life? How about love?" Fuck, I can't stop sobbing over this. Jon really lived by these words. Happy valentine's day folks!! :)❤❤❤
How his friends talk about him remind me of my big brother. Died suddenly at 40 6 years ago. Best man I knew. Made everyone feels so loved and important. My heart still aches with grief for him 😭😭😭😭
Hi, my big brother died at 33.. also sudden, it was nine years ago now and I still cry like at least once a week, he was my best friend. Idk but this comment really got to me, it's hard for people to understand me when I talk about my brother.
NO ONE deserves to die so young.. (well yes, there are some monsters out there) but with some people i can't help but thing, out of all the people in the world, why HIM? why THEN? it angers and saddens me so much that he couldn't see his dream acomplished and couldn't enjoy all the outcome of his hardwork
Rent was the first of 3 musicals that touched my heart. The others were Hairspray and Hamilton. When I first saw it in 1996 (OBC), I knew nothing about the show going in. It blew me away in ways I couldn’t understand at the time. Almost 25 years later (and many visits to live performances) it’s still a seminal point in the history of American musical theater. I’m sad Mr. Larson didn’t live to see the fruits of his work.
I missed this musical so much! I haven't listened to it for a bit long time but now....it's like I descover it again! It will always be the BEST MUSICAL!
I just saw the new 20th anniversary tour yesterday. Rent is a touching and emotionally thrilling piece of musical theatre with themes that continue to resonant with us audiences around the world. RIP Jonathan Larson
He could have never made it.But he did. He finished Rent. Thank you God! You gave him that opportunity, so we could treasure every minute of our life and show our talents to the world ❤️
Your play moves me my body from the top of my head down to my toes . It reaches my soul. I wish you were here . Thank you so much for your Beautiful art that you shared with us .
There is actually a recording of 1996 opening night at the New York public library. They also have the 10th anniversary copy. Apparently you have to say you want to view it for research purposes or something and they will let you watch it supervised
