I don't know what drew me to sweetappreciation.com tonight of all nights, maybe it's just a coincidence, but as I read the messages in the guestbook, in particular the one Rusty's mom wrote on Feb 16, 2006, the significance of tomorrow's date became clear. If you had asked me the date of Rusty's passing I would have had no idea, yet something brought the memory of him into my consciousness and me to this website on the eve of the fifth anniversary. I didn't know about the midnight shows back in the 80's, I discovered Rusty at moonwork, but as soon as I did I became an avid fan and admirer. I will never forget Rusty. His performances rank among the most joyful experiences of my life and I miss him terribly. My best to his family.

Hi everyone, I was at the WGA picket line today on 5th Avenue/57th Street in NYC and I ran into Alison. I hadn't seen her since I visited Rusty in the hospital days before he left us. When I saw Alison I had a flood of Rusty emotions come up. First of all, he would have been on the front lines with all the comedy writers with his big smile. Second of all, I miss the guy so much. I just came back to NYC from 13 years in LA and there is never a time when I have coffee with my friend Nancy Shayne that Rusty's name doesn't come up. We used to do comedy and laugh our heads off with each other. We always remember Rusty saying, "well, in order to write you have to write something down on paper". It always made us laugh because it was so right.

So I just wanted to say that I honestly tried not to cry when I saw Alison but the minute I left the picket line I cried like a baby about Rusty leaving the earth way too soon. He was truly an original and I miss him. He would have been proud of us on the lines today. I could feel him in heaven sitting down at the piano and playing his own rendition of "Fight the Power".

with love, Henriette Mantel

To the family and friends of Rusty Magee,

It never ceases to amaze me how the world changes when we're not paying attention.

Back in 1988-89, Rusty, Lewis and the rest of the gang at the West Bank saved what little sanity I had left by making me laugh my a** off on a regular basis. Although I eventually left NY and got out of the entertainment industry, I've never forgotten the warmth I found in that little basement room. I was recently telling a friend - who is soon to visit New York for the first time - about that amazing little place, and the supremely talented people to be found there. I am so sad to learn of Rusty's death, but I'm grateful for every single moment of joy he gave me, even though I never met the man face to face. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of the world.

Best wishes,

Kim Pribanic

To Rusty, Allison, Nat, and the rest of the Magee world,

We often think of you back here in the Midwest, with great memories of fun times around a piano, in a theatre, chatting, laughing. I knew Rusty and Bobby and Kenny and Jamie way back before you became my step-brothers in the Angell School days. I have fond memories of you four, and your dad and my mom, Molly, too. Allison and Nat, maybe you will remember our trip to New York and how Rusty rigged "The Irish and How they Got that Way" to mention me for that one show! And the lovely cast party you included us in. Perhaps you'll remember taking me to Disneyland when Nat was tiny--that was a lovely evening. Kenny and Jamie, maybe you will remember times together in Ann Arbor, perhaps even in Flint.

When I think about our connected families, those who have left us and those who remain, I realize what an assortment of creative, eccentric, and lively personalities they include. Rusty was without doubt an incredible talent and a sweetheart of a guy; Bobby had much charm and his own creative dispositions, unrealized because of his demons. Their dad Kenneth, too, had his struggles but his incredible charm and wit and his brilliance in the field of medicine made so many people adore him. You Magee boys had a great legacy there. And I think of my Mom as the dear and quirky link who connected me to all of you.

I would love to hear from you, and know how you all are doing.

Love, Lucy

Dear Rusty, It was 25 years ago tonight that you and I went bowling in Flint Michigan, it was the night before Dad died, we bowled the best we had ever bowled!!! When Dad died the next day, I was at work, you were with Dad, you were a trooper, I was very proud of you, as I am proud of you to this day. I miss you so very much. I think of you every day, at least a dozen times, you gave me so much, so much of me today is because of you, I thank you.

I love you, and I really miss you.
Love, Kenny

Happy St. Rusty's Day, August 6th!

Ever since directing UBU at UCSD, I have been looking forward to directing SCAPIN. I finally got the chance with a starry-eyed group of ninth graders here in San Diego. Hearing your songs again makes me so thrilled. Our show opens tomorrow night. I wanted to say thanks and let you know how much you are missed.

With love,
Michael

What a sad, sad loss! I worked the light booth at the West Bank for college credit 20 years ago. I always used to tell people that I did my theatre internship in a bar. I remember Rusty as so intense and electric. That photo on the home page of this site is exactly how I remember him - his eyes full of mysterious glee. There was a Next, Please backers audition while I was there that I helped out with and ran lights. I'm sure I still have the program somewhere deep in my archives. I loved that music and was happy just to have been a part of it. I stayed late and ran lights on Fridays for the late show and never left before Brown Eyed Girl even though my roommate had Saturday Morning Cartoon Parties at 8 am. Of course, I was just a dazzled and wide eyed west coast preppie but there was never any sense of distance or disdain from Rusty or Rand or Lewis, just rugged fun. My sympathies and appreciation to Rusty's family for the site.

My dearest son Rusty, a thoughtful time to share with you today Feb. 16, 2006. The years pass quickly and this makes three. I am remembering Kenny's phone call, just after 1:30. It was a sad day for all of us, above all, dear Alison and Nat. I try to remember the happy times and I usually
succeed. The first thing I see each day is your smiling face looking down at me. I tell people about the wonderful things you did and what a beautiful person you are, and I get by.
This month I participated in a "Casablanca" evening at the Framingham historical Society and I showed the script you gave me in 1982 in a plain brown Brown U. file with the inscription, "Here's looking at you, Mom!"
We always had fun talking about and playing songs from the movie. I am standing over your big piano on Hill St., my little one in Spain, and later yours in New York a thousand times, watching you play and listening to you sing, and wondering how your Dad and I ever produced such fantastic talent.
I have very strong faith in God that He will have us all together someday, somewhere, Meanwhile I love you with all my heart and this is your Yahrzeit day, this sunny snow covered winter day in New England. You are my beloved son. With love eternal, Mom

I can't believe how fast three years have gone by! Alison & Nat, I'll be thinking of you today.