Jonathan Larson
About
Biography
Filmography
Writer (Feature Film)
Music (Feature Film)
Life Events
1982
Moved to NYC
1982
Wrote a musical based on George Orwell's "1984", but the rights to produce the material were unavailable
1985
Began working on a stage production called "Superbia"; attended ASCAP and Dramatist Guild development workshops
1988
Awarded a Richard Rodgers Development Grant for "Superbia"; stage reading produced at Playwrights Horizons
1989
Began collaboration with playwright Billy Aronson on a modern-day version of "La Boheme"; suggested the title "Rent"; wrote three songs then abandoned project
1990
Wrote and performed the autobiographical rock monologue "tick...tick...BOOM!"
1991
After three friends succumbed to complications from AIDS, resumed work on "Rent" with Aronson's approval but without Aronson's participation
1993
Collaborated with Hal Hackady on the musical revue "Blocks", which addressed problems faced by teenagers
1994
With Bob Golden, wrote the script and songs, directed and produced the children's video "Away We Go"
1994
Awarded a Richard Rodgers grant to develop "Rent"; New York Theatre Workshop staged a studio production
1995
Penned the lyrics for the site-specific production "J.P. Morgan Saves the Nation", staged outdoors in Lower Manhattan
1995
Worked with director Michael Grief and New York Theatre Workshop artistic director Jim Nicola on shaping "Rent"; show began rehearsals in December
1995
Made two visits to hospital emergency rooms with chest pains; diagnosed with food poisoning or the flu
1996
Dress rehearsal of "Rent" (January 24)
1996
Died of undiagnosed heart trouble, possibly brought on by Marfan Syndrome (January 25)
1996
Opening night of "Rent" at New York Theatre Workshop (February 13)
1996
Broadway opening of "Rent" (April 29), show went on to win the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award
2001
Reworked version of "tick...tick...BOOM!" produced Off-Broadway
