Jonathan Larson (by his sister, Julie) Best Musical (1996)

Before Hamilton, there was Rent. It changed the face of what musical theater could be, and resonated with thousands of people all over the world. Jonathan Larson, who wrote the book, music and lyrics, passed away in January 1996, on the morning of Rent’s first Off-Broadway preview. “He dreamed of creating a youthful, passionate piece that would be pertinent.” We think he succeeded.