I never knew the man whom I know best. Jonathan Larson was only thirty-five years old when he collapsed in his apartment, and was discovered just hours before his lifelong dream would become a fantastic reality. The rock opera Rent’s opening preview on Broadway, that street of dreams, was rendered bittersweet by the untimely death of the brilliant composer that was Jonathan Larson; and yet, the tragedy of Jonathan's death, and even more, the passionate dedication of his life, have helped lead me both personally and artistically to become the individual that I am today.
Jonathan’s profound impact on my life is unrivaled. It seems almost surreal to me that just three short years ago, Jonathan’s name and creations were completely unknown to me; and yet, as I go about my daily activities, no other individual in history has had the influence on my life that Jonathan has. I have acted and sung for many years – but it is Jonathan who inspired me to create my own material, and share my passion and my music with the world around me. It is this progression that so largely defines me as an individual today, and I continue to strive to attain such an identity in the future.
Jonathan dedicated his life to composing a musical that would have a lasting effect. "I want to write music,” he said in one of his prior projects. “I want to sit down right now at my piano, and write a song that people will listen to and remember, and do the same thing every morning for the rest of my life." For all of his talent and efforts, however, Jonathan faced rejection with each pursuit. And yet, he never ceased to dream; he never ceased to strive. And on one glorious night, unbeknownst to him, he finally succeeded.
It saddens me that I will never be able to speak with Jonathan – for I so long to tell him the one great truth that he never lived to know: that his life did make a difference, and that he succeeded in touching the lives of millions of people worldwide. I would want him to know all that he had done for these people; I would want him to know all that he had done for me. Sadly, I know that this is an impossibility. I continue to dream, though. I continue to write, and perform my work, and the work of others. I want to give people the love and hope that Jonathan has given me. I know that the only future in which I can truly be content is one that is filled with music – and the ability to give this music to the world around me. Jonathan Larson taught me that even one song can change the world for the better; and I will never cease to strive, and perhaps one day give to society the gifts that he can no longer give us. I will do this: for humanity…for myself…and for Jonathan.