Thank you for this beautiful website.
I'll never forget Rusty's boundless enthusiasm for life and music. His ability to laugh and to create laughter in all those around him. I remember meeting him for the first time during "Scapin". Me terrifed with the sudden realization I'd been cast in what was fast becoming a musical before my very eyes. Rusty, the instrument of that process, shoves ten pages of music into my hands and says, " I haven't written your solo yet". Literally 5 minutes later he returns after pounding on the piano and growling, screeching and singing what sounded like the foulest of lyrics- and indeed they were. Thus was born his rap tune "Vile Thing". Thank you Rusty for my song. I was like a kid on a roller coaster with that song every night terrifed before, and during but after couldn't wait to get back on and go for the wild ride. What a genius. Love endures. Thank God for Rusty Magee. Much love and sympathy to Alison and Nat and Rusty's family and huge circle of friends.

Dear Alison,

I'm so sorry to hear about Rusty. You know he was so loved and admired by so many people. I loved seeing him at Carolines in the last year or so. I will remember him always.

All our love to you,

Elliott

Hi Allison anad Nat, I will try again. I'm such a computer wiz, your last note from me is extremely short! anyway, I wanted to say I'm sorry I missed the memorial on the 2nd. I didn't know until this morning, and I missed the whole thing. I'm sure it was beutiful. It is fantastic to see what a community of support you two have. YOU ARE LOVED! and I am sure that makes Rusty ver very happy. All my love, Vick

Although I worked with Rusty primarily at The 52nd Street project, my favorite memory of him was when he performed at a comedy show I hosted. That night Rusty showed up for his set with Nat in tow (this was about 5-6 years ago) and the act that went on just before Rusty was one that was in no way approprite for a young kid to see. Rusty got up onstage and began to sing about the fact that he brought his son to the show and how that was maybe not approprite. At this point Nat started to yell "Stop singing about me." Of course Rusty then sang about the fact that he was singing about his son even though his son was yelling at him to stop. By the end he had the whole crowd, Nat included, singing along. He turned a set at a small comedy show into a song that everyone was a part of. That's how I remember Rusty the most, as a song that everyone felt a part of.

Hi Allison and Nat,

I'm another one who couldn't attend Rusty's memorial this evening, at least not physically. Being able to tour the site makes me feel connected cybernetically, at least, and for that I'm grateful. My thoughts are with you all, and with Rusty. Such an amazing talent. Such a generous spirit. I shall carry the Rasta Man's late-night version of "Brown-Eyed Girl" always: the quintessence of the talented '80's, the late-night West Bank theme song, the la-dee-da of joy, all of us joined singing, forever. Go with grace and love, Rusty. You will be sorely missed.
Peace. Rilla

Alison & Nat, and all of Rusty's family:

I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the memorial today in NYC. I really wanted to be there. I'm sure the chapel is full. But there are more of us who couldn't make it that are thinking of you all on this day as well.

We have lots of happy memories.

Alison and Nat...
Thinking of you today and always, we wanted to take a moment to let you know how incredibly lucky we feel to have had Rusty in our lives. Because of him, our childhoods were filled with much more music, laughter and light, than many people experience in a lifetime.
Thank you for sharing his love with us. We love you very much!

Katelyn and Jared

Dearest Allison,
i am so sorry for your loss.
My thought and prayers are with you.

with love

Lynne

Alison and Nat,
I was a classmate of Rusty's at Eaglebrook, Exeter, and saw him around Yale when he was at the Cabaret, too. I've just been in shock since I heard. Rusty was the most full of life of anyone I have ever known. I couldn't believe it could ever change. He was the life of every reunion at both schools, and always had time, energy and good cheer for everyone. As class agent he found the perfect role as the social 'glue' of the class. Unfortunately, I only managed to see him once at the West End Cafe years ago (BK - before kids).
Alison, I'm sorry we've never had a chance to meet. But I hope you'll accept Mary's and my deepest condolences. We have all been so blessed to have had him in our lives.

With warmest regards,
Whit & Mary