As a fan of Jonathan Larson's music, I was very excited to have the opportunity to interview Actress, Singer, and Songwriter Lauren Marcus.

In addition to starring in the new Off-Broadway musical, The Jonathan Larson Project, what really hooked me into Lauren's story was her history with Jonathan Larson's legacy...from acting in the film version of tick, tick...BOOM! to being a two-time finalist for the Jonathan Larson Grant.

In this interview, Lauren answered my call to share:

• What is means to be in The Jonathan Larson Project
• What she resonates most with about Jonathan's music
• How we can make the world a better place
• How she has found her voice within the theatrical industry
• So much more

Connect with Lauren: Website, Facebook, Instagram

The Jonathan Larson Project brings to the stage the extraordinary unheard songs of the writer who revolutionized Broadway. This powerful new musical asks how we can make a difference in the world today, with Larson’s voice reaching through time to inspire audiences. From presidential elections to environmental activism to creating and connecting despite every obstacle, Larson’s songs speak to our present time with stunning resonance.

At the same time, The Jonathan Larson Project reflects the journey of an unknown young artist, struggling against rejection, making ends meet as a waiter in a diner, and finding his voice… which he has no idea will someday lead to triumph and enduring fame. The show includes cut songs from RENT and tick, tick… BOOM! as well as songs that have never been performed in a theater before. Fortunately for the world of musical theatre, Larson gave us more to see – and that work has finally hit the stage.

The Jonathan Larson Project is a world premiere musical that is also an undiscovered treasure trove of songs you will never forget. 

The Jonathan Larson Project plays at the Orpheum Theatre in NYC through March 30, 2025!

The Cast of The Jonathan Larson Project
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

1. You are currently performing in the new Off-Broadway musical, The Jonathan Larson Project. As a two-time finalist for the Jonathan Larson Grant in 2021 & 2023, what does it mean to you to be in this show? Oh...absolutely everything? One of the things that I think is so tremendous about Jonathan's writing is not only how poetic he could be, but how literal.

Sometimes his lyrics are so literal and earnest it's breathtaking, because that is not easy to do. And to still come off as incredibly cool and timely doing it? Especially (in some cases) 30+ years after writing it?! Wow.

It's a gift as an actor getting to perform the work, because you don't have to do much other than sing what's written. The songs are so easy to connect to, because the heart is always on the surface. It's never hidden. I think that's why his work is so enduring.

2. What do you resonate most with about Jonathan's music? How unafraid he was to speak his mind through his art. Whether performing or writing, it's where I feel safest and boldest.

3. When you got cast in the show and found out the song(s) you were going to be performing, which one excited you the most? Hosing the Furniture. I could get into it more, but this is sort of the perfect example of "Come see the show and you'll get it!". You'll get it. I promise.

4. Why did that song make you so happy? Because it is cuckoo bananas in exactly the way my mind works.

5. Prior to being in The Jonathan Larson Project, you were in the movie musical adaption of tick, tick...BOOM! What did you learn about Jonathan from being in that movie that influenced how you came to this show? This is something I was already aware of, but watching it brilliantly executed in Tick, Tick...Boom! really drove the point home: That man cared about his art. Everything -- and I mean everything -- went into furthering it, bettering himself as a creator, getting the art out there. It is so inspiring and I feel doubly lucky to be given a chance to not only perform Jonathan's work but to share art with people nightly.

6. According to press notes, The Jonathan Larson Project asks how we can make a difference in the world today. How do you feel we can make a difference in today's world? I have a lot of different potential answers to this question, but here is one thing I think would actually make a positive difference today (and I need to follow my own advice): Get off your phone when you're walking in public. Please.

7. The show also depicts a young artist struggling against rejection, making ends meet as a waiter, and finding his voice. How do you deal with rejection? Not very well! But I've learned that it truly only takes one yes. This business is about looking for the like-minded souls who tell you yes. I may get bogged down in the rejection sometimes (okay, a lot of times...you can't turn off your feelings!), but I know there's always someone waiting to tell me yes around the corner. My life has proved it time and time again.

The Cast of The Jonathan Larson Project
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

8. Have you had to take any survival jobs while pursuing your career in the performing arts and if so, what were some of those jobs? I have had SO MANY SURVIVAL JOBS. Nanny, waitress, host, transcriptionist, temp, hair salon receptionist, seller of TENS units at the Javits Center (where I accidentally got hired as a dental equipment salesperson by the booth next door, but turned down the offer)...you name it, and I probably tried it once. Or maybe I sold it to you.

9. How do you feel you have found your voice within this industry? To be totally honest, this is something I still struggle with. A lot of the time I wonder if I'm crazy for sticking it out here and if anyone is interested in what I'm saying or how I'm saying it. But! That also gives me hope, because sometimes it makes me feel unique and like I should absolutely keep going -- specifically because of that reason.

10. You are co-writing the book for a musical adaptation of the 1985 Sarah Jessica Parker movie, Girls Just Want To Have Fun. When you are not on stage, how do you like to have fun when the working day is done? First of all, wonderful word work there. And now to answer your question: SLEEP. I FIND SLEEP SO FUN THESE DAYS (new mom of a 10-month-old over here!).

11. What is something we didn't get to talk about in this interview you'd like my audience to know about you? I've been talking about it for awhile and it's definitely taken me more time than anticipated, but I have an entire album of original music I'm looking towards releasing ASAP! I'm beyond proud of it.

Lauren Marcus, Photo Credit: David Perlman

More on Lauren Marcus:

Her Broadway credits include Be More Chill (Original Cast). Select credits: White Girl in Danger (Second Stage/The Vineyard), Sarah Silverman’s The Bedwetter (The Atlantic), Fiddler On The Roof (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Little Shop of Horrors (Pittsburgh Public), The Humans (St. Louis Rep), Company (Barrington Stage), The...Hunter S. Thompson Musical (La Jolla Playhouse).

Film/TV: tick, tick…BOOM!, Law and Order: SVU.

As a writer, Lauren is a 2021 and 2023 finalist for the Jonathan Larson Grant, a 2022 semifinalist for the O’Neill and Relentless Award, and developed her original television pilot, Honest Living, at New York Stage and Film.

She is currently finishing up her first full-length retro-pop album, as well as co-writing the book for a new musical adaptation of Girls Just Want to Have Fun (based on the 1985 Sarah Jessica Parker film) for Lively McCabe Entertainment.