Timeline: Jonathan Larson

Feb 4, 1960

Date of Birth

Born in February 4th, 1960, in White Plains, New York. Was an American Composer, Lyricist, and Playwright

Feb 5, 1960

Family

His parents are Allan Larson and Nanette Larson, sister was Julie Larson. His father died in 2021 and his mother in 2018

1962

Sister: Julie Larson

His sister was also exposed into the performing arts from an early age

1970

Fun Fact

Larson lived his childhood amidst drama clubs and music lessons, as a child he was into the performing arts.

1975

Health problems

He had Marfan Syndrome, people with that syndrome usually are very tall and have very long arms, legs, and fingers. A diagnose would be made but in this case Jonathan didn't have resulting into his death.

1980

Another Fact

Jonathan was a server for a diner for 7 years while working on his production "Rent"

1982

Education

He went to White Plains High School and Adelphi University earning a full ride scholarship

1984

Superbia

Superbia was a science fiction satire rock musical that depicted a futuristic dystopian universe of a society devoid of emotions, loosely based on George Orwell’s 1984. The musical narrated the story of Josh, an inventor who, unlike everyone else, retained his emotions and spent his life searching for a way to bring back the feelings of society and make an impact on the world. Unfortunately, this musical wasn't produced but Larson hoped that someday anyone will produce it.

1989

The history behind his plays

There was a New York City HIV/AIDS crisis of 1990, this was a story of real life. It showed the struggles of an up-and-coming artist who put in years of work only to be rejected, lost his closest friends to a virus completely out of his control, pursued his passion and love for the arts despite seeing others abandon it for a desk job, and grappled with the fear of turning thirty burdened by the need to create something impactful. This musical was his life in song.

1990

Personal Life

He did have a girlfriend named Susan Wilson. She was always by his side while he was writing "Rent", she was also an inspiration for Jonathan while he wrote his plays.

1991

Inspiration

Jonathon Larson was inspired by the music of Billy Joel, Nirvana, The Beatles and Stephen Sondheim. His dream was to combine all these influences into one, which he did.

1995

Tick, Tick... Boom!

Tells the story of an aspiring composer named Jon who lives in New York City in 1990. Jon is worried he has made the wrong career choice to be part of the performing arts

1995

J.P. Morgan Saves the Nation

Jonathan was the composer for J.P. Morgan, meanwhile Jefferey M. Jones was the playwright.

1995

Fun Fact of Rent

It ran on Broadway for 12 years and became one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.

1996

Fact of Rent

Jonathan Larson died the day before the production "Rent" was suppose to have its first preview in Broadway

1996

Awards

Drama desk award for outstanding music (1996 Rent), Obie Award for special citations (1996 Rent), Drama desk award for outstanding lyrics (1996 Rent), Tony Award for best book of a musical (1996 Rent), Pulitzer prize for drama (1996 Rent), Tony award for best original score (1996 Rent), Drama desk award for outstanding musical (1996 Rent), Drama desk award for outstanding book of a musical (1996 Rent), and Outer critics award for outstanding off-broadway musical (1996-2002 Rent) (9)

1996

Family sues two New York Hospitals

Larson's family sued two hospitals since they weren't able to detect the aortic dissection. Its known that he went to the hospital twice complaining of chest and stomach pain, first hospital diagnosed him with food poisoning and the other a virus. The family then sued the hospitals for $250 million.

Jan 25, 1996

Death of Jonathan Larson

He died in Manhattan New York due to Marfan Syndrome, which is an inherited disorder that affects the connective tissue. This syndrome then leads to aortic dissection in which a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body's main artery, blood rushes through the tear causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to split, if the blood goes through the outside aortic wall it can be deadly.

Apr 14, 1996

Rent (Musical)

Rent is a rock musical, a penniless songwriter's love for a young woman grows even as illness begins to consume her. The poet Rodolfo is now punk rocker Roger. Tubercular Mimi is now an AIDS-infected dancer at an S&M nightclub. The ending is transformed from the opera, but the theme of love striving to endure beyond all obstacles remains. Songs included “Seasons of Love,” “Without You,” “Out Tonight,” “One Song Glory,” “I'll Cover You” and “Santa Fe.” 42
2 hrs and 30 mins with 1 intermission

2024

Quote

“The heart may freeze, or it can burn. The pain will ease and I can learn. There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment, as my last.”
- Jonathan Larson, Rent: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical

Mar 30, 2024