I knew Rusty primarily through performing, and so my memories of him are invariably limned by only enough light to see backstage. Standing back of the house at Moonwork or The West Bank, watching whoever was onstage, sharing a smile if the act was good or a grimace if it wasn't, and then some quick words after the show. We weren't friends, per se, but we were friends of friends in that ever widening circle that makes the world go 'round.

I'm remembering a passage I memorized when I was 20 or so, originally from the German or the Russian. It's like I was keeping it in reserve for a time like this:

"Rememer how we used to dance, forget this world of men? And how we dreamed of some ideal renown. For music was our worshipped idol then, and life a passing dream to us."

Dear Alison,

My life was touched by Rusty through our
work at ART in Ubu Rock and Imaginary Invalid. Rusty was a brilliant musician
and composer and he has a great spitit
that feels so alive and present to me now.He was a delight to work with and be around. I love him and will miss him.
I wish you and Nat peace.

Love, Will LeBow

Dear Alison:

I so admired Rusty and will miss him. I was in awe of his gifts and talent and learned so much from him when we worked together back in New Haven and then later at the West Bank. His musicianship was huge, as was his collegueal generosity and bright spirit, which was unparalleled. What a mensch. My thoughts are with you and Nat. Much love, Gary

Alison and Nat -

It was with great sadness that I heard the news. Please know that my heart goes out to you now, and my thoughts are with you. Rusty was such a joyful, special presence and I feel blessed to have known him, even if just a little. I will think of him fondly every time I hear his wonderful songs.

With love, Joe

dear alison-

we just heard the sad news about rusty. our hearts go out to you and your family.

with love,
marcia, tony and natasha dodge

Alison and Nat,
I don't even know where to start. Rusty was one of my dearest friends. He would pop into my mind at the funniest times...on my way to an audition...when I didn't get it...and I would call him and he would know just what to say. I will miss him so much my heart hurts. I looked forward to seeing him every night when we did "The Irish..." and would laugh so hard on the rides uptown every night. My thoughts, prayers and tears are with you....

Marian

Hello Alison, it was great seeing you a few weeks back and you looked wonderful in the midst of it all. I just heard of Rusty's passing and wanted add my condolences for your loss. I know you are a strong sister and what a blessing to have had the time to prepare yourself and Nat for this time even through the pain of seeing him so ill. God rest his soul in peace. My heart is with you and your family and his. God's peace be with you now until you see him again. What a blessing he has been to you and so many others.
Love, Adriane

I will always associate Rusty with the West Bank Cafe, my friend Nancy Shayne, laughter, talent, damned good looks(he was very cute),intelligence, humor, and integrity. I didn't know him really well but I always felt good in his presence...we used to laugh about how funny our mutual friend Nancy, who we love and made us laugh was, because that was our connection...he always got the joke on a deep level...for some reason I think of that song New York Romance and how I was just blown away by it....the only other person whose music has had the power to make me that emotional is Sondheim...he struck a chord of depth and humanity and deep kindness with a youthful playfulness that made him weirdly never age...The Free Show was such an inspiration too....that is also what I associate him with....it inspired me to get onstage before I had the courage...I can't believe he isn't here but he will always be alive at The West Bank and we will feel his energy. Alison and Nat you are lucky to have had him in your life and he will be with you always ... I hope you both can take that with you in times when you are sad. Love to you both.

Dear Alison and Nat,
I will think of the three of you, such a lovely little family, simply having dinner at The Cottage Restaurant one early evening-- was it last Spring? when I ran into you all, and was charmed by Rusty's warmth and goodwill. I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss, Alison. And so sure the most beautiful and loving aspects of Rusty's spirit and wonderful music will continue live through both of you.
My sympathy and love, Jane

Dear Alison,
My thoughts and positive energy are being sent to you. We did the Charles Busch reading of "Lady in Question" together in 2001 (I was the young Nazi and gave you a ride home). My dear friend Jason Opsahl passed away in October after years of a brave, brave struggle with brain cancer. He worked on Broadway, doing what he loved, up to two months before he left us. I didn't know Rusty but did see some of his work over the years. All the best to you, Alison, and your son.

Peter