Bittersweet Glory For Larson's Family

Living lean in boho New York, tall, curly-haired Jonathan Larson was, according to ex-roommate Gregory Beals, "fiercely engaged with (that) multiracial, multisexual world, determined to bring it to the stage with sensitivity and affection."

So he did, in "Rent," and his death at age 35 before the show's debut was a tragic loss, especially to his family.

"I just thought he was a wonderful person," his father, Al Larson, says in a phone interview. "It's only as the world has told me how fantastically talented he was that I've come to believe it. . . . I had no idea Jonathan was anything other than my sweet, bright boy."

That bright boy grew up in White Plains, N.Y., playing tuba and piano, longing to be an actor. His parents encouraged his love of musicals and his backyard theater productions.

Later, as an Adelphi University student, Larson boldly wrote Stephen Sondheim a fan letter - and the Broadway composer became his mentor.

After college, Larson struggled to support his own composing habit. He penned the musicals "Superbia" and "Tick, Tick. . .Boom!" But "Rent" excited the most buzz.

Though Larson was unwell during final rehearsals, no one imagined he was acutely ill. Even an emergency-room visit failed to uncover the aortic aneuryism that killed him.

Since his death, Larson's family has picked up Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize and other honors on his behalf. They've set up a foundation in his name, to assist budding artists.

And Al Larson has seen "Rent" 60-plus times. "We try to go to the openings of all the new companies. We'll go soon to see the Tokyo company, and then to Australia."

But the glory and gain are bittersweet. "I thought I'd spend my declining years golfing," Al muses. "Instead, my wife and I are traveling all over the world. But it's all a constant reminder that Jonathan is not here, and should be."