The Jonathan Larson Project

Southwark Playhouse Borough

Playing until 22nd August 2026

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Photo credit: Danny Kaan

{PR Gifted ticket}

Marking 30 years since the death of Jonathan Larson, the Jonathan Larson Project brings the story of Larson, a hopeful young creative in New York, to stage. Best known as the writer of Rent, a musical phenomenon that defined a generation, Larson died suddenly from an aortic aneurysm the day before Rent opened off Broadway. This story glimpses into Larson’s creativity and how he translated this into a world of boundless imagination.

Presented as a song cycle of Larson’s unpublished or unfinished work, five talented actors (Max Harwood, Imelda Warren-Green, Michael Mather, Natalie Kassanga, Marcus Collins) under the direction of John Simpkins each have their unique moments to shine performing the songs penned by Larson. Opening with a video collage as a tribute to the late writer, this transitions into the first song, “Greene Street”. This song portrays the aspiration of a young hopeful creative finding his way in New York. The tone of it is hopeful, playful, explorative, almost as if the singer is looking at the metropolitan with fresh eyes as he gazes upon those passing by.

This and together with the next few songs including “One of these days” and “Valentine’s Day” showcase Larson’s ability to create music and a story out of everyday life events, creating rhythms and lyrics that lure you into the emotions of a song itself. “Love Heals” for example was an emotional rollercoaster, a song written to raise funds in support of his friend, Alison, a woman who contracted AIDS.

The fact that the production finishes on “Piano”, a piece Larson started earlier in his career but never finished serve a particular purpose, almost as if it is highlighting a life cut short before it reached its full potential, a perfect parallel to Larson’s life as the musical theatre industry mourns the loss of his talent.

The production focuses on the songs themselves, and all other elements are there to complement and support their presentation. For each song, a brief note on the song is projected onto a blank canvas, showing the song name, the year in which it was written and whether it was created as a standalone song or a piece cut from one of Larson’s musicals. Without casting a shadow on the songs themselves, the lighting and video designed by Sam Biodolillo and Alex Basco Koch, respectively, provide enough context to the audience as they focus their attention on the actors’ performances.

The selection of song presented is a wonderful mix of everyday life, whimsy, political and heartfelt tunes. All of these pay tribute to Larson’s talent as a world class creative.

Creatives

Music and Lyrics: Jonathan Larson

Conceiver: Jennifer Ashley Tepper

Director: John Simpkins

Musical Director: Livi Van Warmelo

Set Designer: Nate Bertone

Costume Designer: Jean Gray

Lighting Designer: Sam Biondolillo

Sound Designer: Alistair Penman

Video Designer: Alex Basco Koch

Choreographer: Taylor Walker