Still More Theater Saturday - The Jonathan Larson Project

We received complimentary tickets to The Jonathan Larson Project for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: The Jonathan Larson Project

Where: Orpheum Theatre 

             126 Second Ave.

              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up

When: Through March 30, 2025

Me - The Jonathan Larson Project combines some of Larson's previously undiscovered songs into a show. Highlights of the show are the first two numbers "Greene Street" and "One of These Days" and the performances by the talented cast. Jason Tam and Taylor Iman Jones are particularly fantastic. 

While the show doesn't necessarily follow a story, it includes more choreography and acting than in its initial run at 54 Below. However, it feels disjointed. Some songs seem heavier on the acting and others are presented more like a concert. It would have been better if the entire show were presented in concert form as was previously done. That said if you are a fan of Jonathan Larson, you won't want to miss it. 

Mom - The Jonathan Larson Project is a treasure trove of unreleased material by the composer of Rent and Tick, Tick ... Boom whose life was cut tragically short.  However, we all know one man's trash is another man's treasure and vice versa. This is not to denigrate any of the songs in the show. They are brilliantly written and extremely relevant to today's world considering their composer died almost thirty years ago. However, there is still something lacking about the show. 

Something doesn't feel quite right about the selection of songs or the structure of the musical. The show starts with fun, happy, vibey songs. It gradually becomes more serious. It leans more heavily into the weightier side and delves into such consequential matters as the environmental disaster created by an oil spill and politics. Although even some of the more serious songs are presented in a satirical manner, the show is kind of a downer. It may have been meant to enlighten and encourage the audience to fight for a better world, but it doesn't come across that way. 

This does not mean there isn't anything good about the show. The show starts out on a high with the catchy and energetic opening number "Greene Street." Another highlight is Lauren Marcus' performance of the song "Hosing the Furniture". Nobody can put across a comical number like she can as anyone who has seen her perform her husband, Joe Iconis' song "Party Hat" can certainly attest. It is also always worth it to have the opportunity to experience some of the undiscovered work left by such a talented composer as Jonathan Larson, and that is the best and most important thing about this musical. 

And that's our view. For more about The Jonathan Larson Project or to purchase tickets, visit thejonathanlarsonproject.com

Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop post. 

Photo credits:

All The Jonathan Larson Project production photos by Joan Marcus

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image,  contact us here, and we will look into the matter.