ContentsOrganization of the Jonathan Larson Papers Container List |
Jonathan Larson PapersProcessed by the Music Division of the Library of Congress2010
Biographical Note
Return to the Table of Contents Scope and Content NoteThe Jonathan Larson Papers, spanning the years 1978-1996, came to the Library well-organized and accompanied by a detailed appraisal and inventory. The papers are organized in five series: Projects, Biographical Materials, Photographs, Electronic Files, and Books. The "Projects" series contains materials for musicals, musical revues, club acts, films, and dance works. These files may include any combination of notes, research materials, correspondence, scripts, script pages, lyric sheets and sketches, musical sketches and scores, notes and sketches for designs, production materials, programs and press materials, and other miscellaneous items. The "Projects" series is organized first by title, then chronologically by year, where possible, to reflect Larson's own arrangement. Cross references for variant titles are inserted in the container list. The materials for RENT, Superbia, and tick, tick...BOOM! are particularly extensive. These materials are loosely arranged in the following order: scripts, music, and other materials. They are further organized in other subsets based on the type of scores and their source. Much of the material for these three shows arrived in envelopes of materials that had been separated, organized and described by Jonathan Larson himself. Original labels have been cut out and placed at the back of each folder as necessary. Many of these envelopes contained wide varieties of materials, and it was often impossible to determine where one item ended and the next began. Pages of items in such folders have been numbered so that the original order is maintained. Certain frequently-requested materials are highlighted with notes in the container list where appropriate. The "Projects" series also contains miscellaneous song materials. Many of these are songs that came from shows, but were clearly identified as being separate from the individual show materials. In several instances, songs from various sources were combined together for ease of arrangement. At the end of this series are songs by other writers, but with notes and/or annotations by Jonathan Larson. The "Biographical Materials" series contains an assortment of personal writings and correspondence, class and workshop notes, flyers, and programs. It also includes business papers, bank statements, tax returns, licenses, bills, and receipts. It is arranged alphabetically by general subject matter. A small "Photographs" series showcases portraits of Jonathan Larson and his piano bar trio J. Glitz. The "Electronic Files" series contains various-sized computer discs that supplement material found in the "Projects" series, such as the RENT and Superbia materials. The final series, "Books," consists of novels and plays highlighted or annotated by Larson and that have been retained with the collection. Consult with reference staff about books that were returned to the Larson estate. Return to the Table of Contents Selected Search TermsPeople
Organizations
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Form/Genre
Return to the Table of Contents Organization of the Jonathan Larson PapersThe Jonathan Larson Papers are organized in five series: Return to the Table of Contents Container ListProjects, 1979-19951/2 m.t. house [concept for a musical], 1991Lyric sheets, synopsis, song list, character descriptions [72] leavesNotes Holograph manuscript; [2] p.1984 [unproduced musical], 1982-19831984 novelScript; 1982 Aug. 29 Holograph manuscript; [104] leavesScript; 1982 Sept. 1 Holograph manuscript; 68, 30, [7] p.Scripts 2 typescripts and photocopies; 39, 20 p. eachScript 2 bound typescriptsSet designs Holograph manuscript in ink, colored marker, and watercolor; [14] p.Correspondence, notes, clippings Approximately [32] p.Correspondence30/90 see tick, tick...BOOM!An American tail [children's storybook and cassette], 1986Cues and notes Holograph manuscript; [6] p.Angel sent me [play], 1990Script Typescript; 50 p."Break out the booze" piano-vocal score and lyric sheetsArmageddon [unproduced musical], circa 1981-1982Lyric sheets, script pages, notes Holograph manuscript; [30] leavesAway we go! [children's video and book], circa 1993-1995Production materials and draft scripts Approximately [175] p.Script Typescript; 8 p.Production materials and notesScript Typescript; 12 p.Production materials and notesArtwork Photocopied imagesCorrespondence, business papers, agreements, receiptsPartnership agreementsMiscellanyBilly Bishop goes to war [musical], 1991Script TypescriptPiano-vocal score Photocopied manuscript; [71] p.Notes Holograph manuscript; [13] p.The Blinkins [children's storybooks with cassettes], 1986Scripts and notes; [45] p.2 published booksBlocks [rock revue], circa 1992-1995Script; 1993 Oct. 14 Typescript; 22 p.Script, lyric sheets, notesPrinted piano-vocal scoresBoho days see tick, tick...BOOM!Bubble gum [play], 1987 see also Miscellaneous songs composed by Larson: Lyric sheets, 1987Script Typescript; 29 p.Cartoon artificial see Garden partyDamage [dance piece], 1990Notes Holograph manuscript; approximately [13] p.Dance scores, 1990-1991Notes Holograph manuscript; approximately [20] p.A darker purpose aka Naked Las Vegas [play by Wendy Riss], 1991Script Typescript; 116 p.Emote control [cabaret], 1987Lyric sheets Typescript and photocopies; [25] p.Famine plays [idea for a musical], circa 1991Notes; [11] p.Garden party [dance piece], 1987Notes Holograph manuscript; approximately [56] p.Genre in a drum [unproduced music video], circa 1986-1988Sketch, lyric sheets, notes; [8] p.God's heart [play by Craig Lucas], 1995Script Typescript; 105 p.Herstory [cabaret], 1989"Menopause" piano-vocal scores 2 holograph manuscripts; 3 p. each"The same" piano-vocal scores 2 holograph manuscripts; 4, 7 p.Ideal landscape see Garden partyJ. Glitz [piano-bar act], 1982-1984Lyric sheets, script, correspondence, notes Typescript and holograph manuscriptRunning order, dialogue Holograph manuscript; [20] p.Songlists Holograph manuscript; [2] p.J.P. Morgan saves the nation [musical], 1995Draft scripts 7 typescriptsLyric sheets TypescriptPiano-vocal score PrintedProduction materialsPrinted piano-vocal scores, lyric sheets, scripts, production materials2 scripts, 1995Lead sheets, lyric sheets, production materials, miscellanyClippings, 19952 piano-vocal scores and lead sheets Printed and photocopiesLand before time [children's storybooks with cassettes], 1988"Friends in need" script Typescript; [9] p."Search for the valley" script Typescript; 10 p.Notes Holograph; [2] p.Score Holograph manuscript; [19] p.El libro de buen amor [musical], 1979Script Typescript; 40 p.Lyric sheets Typescript and photocopiesLead sheets Holograph manuscript and photocopies; [7] p.Production materialsMusic notebook, 1979 Sept. 19 - 1979 Oct. 8 Holograph manuscript; approximately [20] p.Script, 1985 Typescript; 36 p.Manhattan tower [unproduced project], undatedScript Typescript; 25 p.Martin on the inside [musical], circa 1980-1987Script Typescript; 69 p.A midsummer night's dream [play], 1991Scores Holograph manuscript and photocopies; [4] p. eachNotes Holograph manuscript; [10] p.Mowgli [unproduced musical], 1984-1995Script, 1984 Typescript; 39, 37 p.Script Typescript; 48, 31 p.Business papers"Morning song" piano score Holograph manuscript; [14] p.Naked truth: ten takes on censorship (& some music) [play], 1990Script pages Typescript and photocopies; [86] p.Notes, miscellany Holograph manuscript; approximately [46] p.National lampoon [unproduced musical revue], see also Presidential politcs 1989Sketches, lyric sheets, notes"Kodak saves the day" lyric sheets, chord progressions; [3] p."Out of my dreams" lyric sheets Typescript; [2] p."The vision thing" choral arrangement Holograph manuscript; [6] p."Vision thing/Do unto them/Nina chorus Likability/La di da" lyric sheets, chord progressions Holograph manuscript; [10] p.Revue sketches and lyrics by various authors TypescriptsNo sacred cows: a sample cabaret [cabaret], 1985-1989Lyric sheets, scripts TypescriptOne big happy family [cabaret], 1985Lyric sheets, sketches TypescriptMusic manuscriptsMiscellaneous items found with One big happy family Holograph manuscript; [36] p."When I grow up (E.R.A.)" piano score Holograph manuscript; 7 p.Collected lyrics, lyric sketches Approximately [53] p.Polar express [unproduced musical], undatedLyric sheets, synopsis, notes; [34] p.Ponce de Leon is alive and well and living just south of Winter Park [unproduced musical], 1991Script, Act I TypescriptScript; 1991 Sept. 11 Typescript; 100 p.Presidential politics [unproduced musical revue], see also National lampoon 1989Lyric sheets TypescriptProstate of the union [musical revue], 1987Lyric sheets, sketches, notes"Valentine's day" lyric notes, sketches Holograph manuscript; [8] p.Red dot bop [corporate video], 1991Chord chart, lyric sheets, notes Holograph manuscriptRemember then...A night at the Brooklyn Fox [cabaret], 1979Music manuscripts, lyric sheets, notes, fliersRENT, [musical, ] 1989-1996Script Typescript; 11 p.Notes Holograph manuscript; [1] p.Script, 1989 Sept. 22 Typescript; 42 p.Scripts, 1990 2 typescriptsScript/lyrics, 1990 Typescript; 6 p.Script, 1990 Typescript; [40] p.Excerpt narration, script Typescript; 8, 89 p.Scripts, 1992 2 typescripts; 71 p. eachScript, Act I; 1992 Typescript; 58 p.Lyric sheets, script pages, sketches, notesScripts, Act I, 1992 2 typescripts; 58, 61 p.Choral book, 1993 TypescriptLyric sheets, script pages, sketches, notesScripts; 1992-1993 4 typescriptsLead sheets, programs, miscellanyScript Typescript; 78 p.Script, miscellany TypescriptMiscellany; 1993-1994Script pages, lyric sketches, notes [89] leavesScript, 1994 July Typescript; 99 p.Script, 1994 Sept. 1 Typescript; 88 p.Script, 1994 Oct. 25 Typescript; 118 p.Lyric sketches, dialogue pages, notes [145] leavesScript Typescript; 97 p.Mock-ups of promotional cards for New York Theater Workshop studio production; 1994 Oct. 29-Nov. 6MiscellanyProgram/flyer for New York Theatre Workshop, 1994 Oct.Script, 1994 Sept. 1 Typescript; 96 p.MiscellanyScript pages, lyric sketches [210] leavesScript, 1995 Sept. 12 Typescript; 129 p.Script pages, lyric sketches; 1995 Sept.-Oct.Scripts, Act I 2 typescripts; 63, 62 p.Lyric sketches, notes Holograph; [44] leavesScript pages, 1995 Oct.-Dec. [148] leavesLyric sketches, notes Holograph manuscript; [87] leavesScript, 1995 Nov. 1 Typescript; 101 p.Script 1995 Dec. 19 Typescript; 105 p.Scripts, 1995 Dec. 2 typescripts; 106 p. eachScript, 1996 Jan. 1 Typescript; 103 p.Miscellany [59] leavesScript, 1996 Jan. 1 Typescript; 103 p.Script, 1996 Jan. 1 Typescript; 105 p.Script, 1996 Jan. 16 Typescript; 103 p.Miscellany [43] leavesContracts, 1995 Sept. 7 Typescript; [15] p.Lyric sheets, script pages, presentation schedule by JL Typescript; [22] p.JL's notepad, last used the day of his death 1996 Jan. 25Script, 1995 Dec. 19 Typescript; 105 p.Script, 1996 Jan. 1 Typescript; 103 p.Script, 1996 June 15 Typescript; 105 p.Piano-vocal score, script pages, miscellanySouvenir program, playbill, ticket stubs for final performance and party; 2008 Sept. 7Chord chartsLyric sheetsLead sheetsMiscellaneous scoresPiano-vocal score, 1994 Oct.Script and piano-vocal score, 1995 Nov. 1Piano-vocal score, 1994-1995Piano-vocal score, 1995 Dec. 19PartsPiano-vocal score, 1995 Dec. 19PartsMiscellaneous scoresPartsPartsPartsOriginal drum bookSacred cows [musical pilot/demo for television show], 1992-1993Lyric sketches, script pages, notes Holograph manuscript; [73] leavesScripts, 1993 Mar. 13 - 1993 May 5, undated 6 typescripts; 14-15 p. eachSesame Street [television show], 1992-1993Script for show #3100 Typescript; 14 p.Script for show #2878 Typescript; p. 11-14"Suppertime" lyric sheet Typescript; [1] p.Shangri-la [unproduced play], 1995Script pages Typescript; 12 p.Sitting on the edge of the future [unproduced revue], 1989Lyric sketches, notes, miscellany Holograph manuscript; [97] p.Lyric sheets, notes, miscellany Holograph manuscript; [50] leaves, 4 p.Piano-vocal score Printed; 16 p.Theatreworks/USA and American Music Theater Festival agreement papersThe steak tartare caper [musical], 1981"I wish I could say" piano-vocal scores 2 holograph manuscripts; 4, 5 p."Crime don't pay" lyric sheet Typescript; [1] p.The suicide [musical], 1987Lyric sheets, script pages, notes Holograph manuscript; [26] p.Superbia, [musical, ] 1985-1991Script, notes, miscellany Holograph manuscript; [168] leavesScript pages, notes Holograph manuscript; [54] leavesLyric sketches, script pages, notes Holograph manuscript; [394] leavesScript Typescript; 75, 41 p.Miscellany [22] leavesLyric sketches, script pages, notes [363] leavesScripts, 1985-1986 10 typescriptsNotes Holograph manuscript; [100] leavesLyric sketches, script pages, notes Holograph manuscript; [108] leavesScript pages, notes [59] leavesGrant application notes Holograph manuscript; [12] leavesAct I script pages TypescriptScript pages, notes [88] leavesSynopses, outline, 1988 Apr. [20] leavesScript, 1987 May Typescript; 63, 53 p.Scripts, 1987 July 15 2 typescripts; 63, 52 p. eachScript, lyric sketches, 1987 Nov.Scripts, 1987 2 typescripts; 63, 54 p. eachSynopsis, 1988 3 typescripts; [1] p. eachScripts, 1988 3 typescriptsLyric sketches, clippings, notes, miscellany Holograph manuscript; [63] leavesLyric sketches, notes Holograph manuscript; [80] leavesScript pages, lyric sketches, notes Holograph manuscript; [153] leavesScript and partial scripts, 1988 Nov. TypescriptScript, 1987 Typescript; 63, 52 p.Script Typescript; 105 p.Script pages Holograph manuscript; [45] leavesScript, lyric sketches, notes, 1988 Aug. 16 70, 24 p., [54] leavesScript Typescript; 70, 34 p.Script pages, miscellany TypescriptScript pages, lyric sketches, notes Holograph manuscript; [143] leavesScript, 1989 Typescript; 104 p.Script pages, lyric sketches, notes Holograph manuscript; [289] leavesMusic manuscripts, lyric sheets, script pages, miscellany [34] leavesScript Typescript; 103 p.Script pages, lyric sketches, notes [81] leavesScripts, 1991 3 typescripts; 104, 48, 48 p.Financial papers, advertising, notes Holograph manuscript; [91] leavesScript, 1990 Typescript; 90 p.Miscellany [27] leavesScripts 2 typescripts; [52], 48 p.Piano-vocal scores Photocopies of manuscriptScripts, 1990-1991 9 typescripts; 90 p. eachScenic designs/rendering Holograph manuscript and photocopiesScreenplay Typescript; p. 3-98Correspondence, advertising, programs, miscellany Typescript and photocopiesNotes Holograph manuscript; [5] p.Synthesizer-vocal score; 1986 Printed; 550 p.Piano-vocal scores 2 photocopiesInstrument parts PrintedSynthesizer-vocal score, 1986 2 bound volumes; 550 p.Piano-vocal score, 1988 Bound; 223 p.Piano-vocal scores Manuscript in ink with 2 photocopiesSweet valley twins [audio-book episodes], 1987Best friendsLeadsheet Holograph manuscript; 2 p.Score Holograph manuscript; [2] p.The haunted houseLeadsheet Holograph manuscript; [1] p.Score Holograph manuscript; [1] leafLyric sheet, notes Holograph manuscript; [11] leavesSylvester shuffle, 1995Lyric sketches and sheets, storyboard, notes Holograph manuscript; approximately [53] leavestick, tick...BOOM!, [solo performance piece/rock monologue, ] 1993Lyric sketches and sheets, script pages, notes Holograph manuscript; [466] leavesScripts, 1990 7 typescriptsScript pages, lyric sketches, notes [29] leavesQuestionnaires 27 typescripts; 3 p. eachScript, lead sheets, lyric sheets, notes, 1990 Sept. 36 p., [20] leavesScripts, 1991 6 typescripts; 35, 36, 41, 40, 39, 38 p.Lyric sheets, correspondence, notes, miscellany Typescript; 35, 36 p.Scripts 3 typescripts; 36, 41, 40 p.Script, 1991 Typescript; 38 p.Programs, advertising, box office statements, miscellanyLead sheetsLead sheets, correspondence, advertising, business papers, miscellanyLead sheetsAdvertising, production materials, miscellanyBudgets, schedules, notesPrograms, promotional materialsPromotional flyerScript, correspondence, production materials, miscellany 3-ring notebookVenus and other myths [dance piece], 1989Notes Approximately [35] leavesWhite squall [film], 1995Screenplay Typescript; 107 p.The wonder years [unproduced television script], circa 1988-1993Notes Holograph manuscript; [38] p.Form letter Typescript; [3] p.Scripts 3 typescripts; 23, 31, 31 p.The wreck of the Barque Stefano [unproduced screenplay], 1991-1992Screenplay Typescript; 108 p.Screenplay, 1991 Sept. 23 TypescriptScreenplay, 1991 Oct. 5 Typescript; 131 p.Miscellaneous songs composed by Jonathan LarsonBreak out the boozePiano-vocal score, 1991 Aug. 8 Printed; 8 p.Lyric sheet TypescriptCold feverLyric sketches, lyric sheets, notesCome to your sensesPrinted scoreLyric sheet TypescriptDo unto themLead sheet/score, 1991 Aug. 8 Printed/holograph manuscript; 37 p.Lyric sheet TypescriptHurry up and waitScore, 1987 Holograph manuscript; 6 p.Score Holograph manuscript; 7 p.Sketch Holograph manuscript; [2] p.I should tell youLyric sheet TypescriptI wish I could say...Piano-vocal score, 1981 Photocopy; 5 p.MenopausePiano-vocal score, 1980 Photocopy; 3 p.Open roadLyric sheet TypescriptOut of my dreamsLead sheet, 1991 Holograph manuscript; [1] p.Lyric sheets TypescriptPlay gameLyric sheet TypescriptReality of the dreamLead sheet, 1991 Printed; 4 p.The samePiano-vocal score, 1981 Photocopy; 7 p.Santa FeLyric sheet TypescriptSee her smileLyric sheet TypescriptTherapyLead sheet, 1991 Printed/holograph manuscript; 3 p.Truth is a lieLead sheet/score, 1991 Aug. 8 Printed/holograph manuscript; 6 p.Lyric sheet TypescriptWe can't go onLead sheet/score, 1991 Aug. 13 Printed/holograph manuscript; 3 p.Lyric sheets TypescriptWe're the new Christian rightLead sheet/score, 1991 Aug. 13 Printed/holograph manuscript; 8 p.Lyric sheet TypescriptWhite male worldLead sheet/score, 1991 Aug. 13 Printed/holograph manuscript; 3 p.Lyric sheets TypescriptWith open eyesLead sheet, 1994 Printed/holograph manuscript; 3 p.Piano-vocal score Printed; 10 p.You called my nameLead sheet, 1991 Holograph manuscript; [1] p.Lyric sheets TypescriptLyric sheets, 1987Lyric sheetsJonathan Larson samples Typescript lyric sheets; 16 p.Jonathan Larson music demo tape and catalogue, 1979-1987 Typescript lyric sheetsLyric/text samples Typescript; 9 p.Song listings by categories Holograph manuscript; [3] p.Miscellaneous song materials50s medley Photocopies of piano-vocal scoresThe Christmas song...and other Christmas songs Published songbookCole Porter medley Photocopies of piano-vocal scoresLyric sheetsMusic and lyrics by Cole Porter Published songbookPiano-vocal scores, lead sheets PhotocopiesPippin Published piano-vocal scorePublished sheet musicToo many songs by Tom Lehrer Published songbookBiographical Materials, 1978-1995CorrespondenceAddresses in 3” x 5” card fileBusiness correspondence, 1983-1993, undatedLetter of complaint to electronics storeMiscellaneous correspondence, 1984-1993, undatedStudent MaterialsClass notesDramatic verse workshopNotes from David Craig workshopNotes regarding Joan of Arc“Say goodnight, Gracie”; section from Brighton BeachFinancial PapersArtists Community Federal Credit Union, 1993Bank statements, 1986-1993Canceled checks, 1989-1993Electric bills, 1989-1995Telephone bills, 1989-1995Tax returns, 1987-1994Grants/AwardsKleban Award submission, 1991NEA grant application, 1993Correspondence, applications, and other materials related to grants, 1988-1992OrganizationsAmerican Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters program, 1988ASCAP correspondence, applications, and other materials, 1983-1993New York Theatre Workshop promotional materials, 1992-1993ProjectsBroadway Arts agreement to record Blocks, 1995Clippings of interest to JLOversize clippings of interest to JLLove HealsLove Heals promotional packets including JL lyricPrograms involving JLFlyers, programs, and promotional mailingsLa Bohème souvenir programsResumesResumesJL DAT logJL music demo tape and catalogueWritingsMiscellanyDrawingLicenses, identity cardsBike lock materialsWhite Plains High School class of 1978 ten-year reunion directoryArticles, photocopied of friendsMemorial service programsMoondance Diner manualPrograms, most with annotationsPhotographsPortraits of Jonathan LarsonPhotographs of "J. Glitz"Small photo album, mostly of city buildingsElectronic Files, 1990-19963 1/2" discs5 1/4" discsComputer manualsBooksBurdick, Jacques. Theater. New York: Newsweek Books, 1979Chase, Mary. Mrs. McThing: a play in two acts. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 1979Cooper, Martha and Henry Chalfant. Subway art. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1984Field, Dorothy, Michael Bennett and William Gibson. Seesaw: a musical. New York: Samuel French, 1975Golding, William. Lord of the flies. Wideview/Perigree Books, 1954Grebanier, Bernard. Playwriting: how to write for the theater. New York: Harper and Row, 1961Howard, Sidney. The late Christopher Bean: a comedy in three acts. New York: Samuel French, 1960Miller, Arthur. Death of a salesman. New York: Viking Press, 1974O’Neill, Eugene. Nine plays. New York: Modern Library, 1941Patrick, John and Vern Sneider. The teahouse of the August moon. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 1957Reinhardt, Ad. Art as art: the selected writings of Ad Reinhardt. Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press, 1975Schulman, Sarah. People in trouble. New York: Plume, 1991Shaffer, Peter. The white liars and black comedy. New York: Samuel French, 1968Shakespeare, William. The tempest. Unknown paperbackShapiro, Karl and Robert Beum. A prosody handbook. New York: Harper and Row, 1965Sontag, Susan. Illness as metaphor and AIDS and its metaphors. New York: Doubleday, 1990Tebelak, John-Michael and Stephen Schwartz. Godspell. New York: Theatre, 1971Return to the Table of Contents |