Rusty Magee facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rusty Magee
Magee in June 2000
Born	Benjamin Rush Magee August 6, 1955 Washington, D.C., U.S.
Died	February 16, 2003 (aged 47) New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Comedian, actor, composer/lyricist
Spouse(s)	Alison Fraser (1984–2003; his death)
Children	1

Benjamin Rush "Rusty" Magee (born August 6, 1955 – died February 16, 2003) was a talented comedian, actor, and composer who wrote songs for plays, TV shows, movies, and commercials. He was known for his funny performances and his amazing musical skills.

About Rusty Magee

His Early Life

Rusty Magee was born in Washington, D.C.. He grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his three brothers. He went to Eaglebrook School and then Phillips Exeter Academy.

Later, he studied music at Brown University. He also received a special degree from the Yale School of Drama. This was because he worked there for three years, helping with music for plays.

His Amazing Career

In 1981, Rusty Magee and his friend Rob Barron wrote a musical called 1919: A Baseball Opera. It was about a famous baseball scandal. The musical was first shown at Yale Repertory Theater.

Rusty then moved to New York City. There, he became a well-known composer and lyricist. He wrote music and songs for many different projects. These included plays, TV shows, movies, and even commercials.

He was also a popular comedian. He often made fun of famous musicians and different music styles. His shows usually ended with him singing "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison. This song became his special trademark.

Rusty helped start the West Bank Cafe Downstairs Theatre Bar in New York City. He was the music director there. Many new writers, like Aaron Sorkin, showed their plays at this theater.

In 1986, Rusty appeared in a small role in Woody Allen's movie Hannah and Her Sisters. That same year, he helped with the music for a play called The House of Blue Leaves. This play won a Tony Award.

He also won an award for his music and songs for a play called Scapin. This play was shown in many different theaters. Rusty also wrote music for other plays, like Servant of Two Masters and The Imaginary Invalid.

Rusty worked with comedian Lewis Black on a musical called The Czar Of Rock And Roll. This show was about a singer named Dean Reed. It was performed in Houston in 1990.

Two years later, Rusty started working with Jonathan Larson, who wrote the musical RENT. They worked on a new musical called Sacred Cows. This musical was never fully performed, but some of its songs were released later.

In 1995, Rusty wrote music and songs for Ubu Rock. This musical was based on an old French play. His musical The Green Heart was shown in New York in 1997.

Rusty also wrote music for plays by William Shakespeare, like Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night's Dream. He even acted in these plays. He was also the Music Director for the Irish Repertory Theatre.

For the Irish Rep, Rusty wrote music for a musical called The Irish... and How They Got That Way. This musical was shown on PBS. He also wrote songs for kids' TV shows. These included The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss on Nickelodeon and Out of the Box on the Disney Channel.

Rusty wrote songs for Arthur: A Live Adventure. This was a musical based on the popular "Arthur" books and TV show. It was performed at Radio City Music Hall in 2000. Rusty also wrote a children's opera called Flurry Tale.

His song "New York Romance" was sung at Carnegie Hall by his wife, Alison Fraser. Many other famous singers also performed his music.

His Family Life

In 1984, Rusty Magee married actress Alison Fraser. They had one son named Nathaniel.

Remembering Rusty Magee

A year before Rusty Magee passed away, a special concert was held to celebrate his life and work. It was called Sweet Appreciation. Many of his friends and performers sang his songs. Rusty himself played the piano and shared stories.

Rusty Magee died on February 16, 2003, at the age of 47. He passed away from colon cancer. He is buried in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Awards and Groups

Rusty Magee was part of several important groups for actors and musicians. These included Actors' Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.

In 2000, he received a special award from then-First Lady Hillary Clinton. This was for his work at the 52nd St. Project. This theater company helps young people in Hell's Kitchen.

His Legacy and Tributes

People continue to remember Rusty Magee and his work. In 2008, his wife Alison Fraser and Mary Testa performed a tribute show.

In 2013, a collection of his work was put online on YouTube. In 2019, another tribute concert was held.

In December 2023, Rusty Magee's children's opera Flurry Tale was performed in Sweden.