Originally posted Nov. 17, 2002

It hardly seems possible I met your mother over 35 years ago. My first recollection of meeting you was when you and your three brothers exploded out of the school bus and burst into the living room tumbling, jumping over the couch and pummeling each other. Your mother wasn't phased by any of this but I was overwhelmed. "That's just the way boys behave," she offered nonchalantly. Before long you were off to Exeter. When my granddaughter enrolled in 1996 she was in awe when she found out I knew you--she remembered you entertaining hundreds of Alums at Reunion weekend with your artistic presentation. Over the years I often saw you mentioned in the New Yorker or the NY Times and always felt a surge of pride. I shared your mother's joy as a grandmother when Nat was born. "The Irish and How They Got That Way" video brought joy to our entire family! When in NYC recently for a "Theater Weekend" I mentioned you to every theater person I met and everyone of them knew your name. Typical responses were "Oh, no I don't know Rusty personally--but HE's one of the most talented people on Broadway!" How lucky we who know you are to have experienced your wonderful talent and superb personality first hand. All my love to you, Alison and Nat.

Originally posted Nov. 17, 2002

Rusty,
Sorry I missed Sweet Appreciaition at the West Bank. You know I am a huge fan of yours. I remember seeing you and Lewis there years ago. You were incredible then and have only enhanced your brillance over the years. Your ability to move us to laughter and tears with your special gifts have made, for me, many memorable evenings which I will always cherish. Our Christmas party last year would have been one such evening had you been available. Will just have to call earlier next time. Much Love, Jim Murtaugh

Originally posted Nov. 16, 2002

I will always love you, and the days have turned to years. It was deeply wonderful seeing you last week. I love you. Whoa -- I'm watching a Jerry Lewis movie right now, and there was just a scene where he's listening to "This Diamond Ring" by Garry Lewis & the Playboys, and nods proudly, cleaning his nails and smirking. Surreal. (It had no meaning in the story.) I think it was his way of calling up his son and saying "good job".
Why didn't we do any Garry Lewis in the 60s revue?? Jeff Natter could have done that....
Rusty and Alison, this site is wonderful. It's in my Favorite Places now!
all my love,
Eve

Originally posted Nov. 16, 2002

I've been gone so long from New York and have gone so far from the family at the West Bank I miss it all everyday. But your joy and your music and your sweaty self behind the keyboard and the mike shines out of that basement long ago and brightens my dim depressing day here in the suburbs of Milwaukee. Steve and Lewis and Drew McCoy have kept me in touch. I find myself thinking of hymns like "We Shall Overcome." I am overcome. You have come over all of us who were ever in the presence of your great generous spirit. Keep moving. Mark Metcalf

Originally posted Nov. 16, 2002

Rusty,
Just so that you don't get confused when you come back to do a set -- we've changed our name from The Grown-Up Show to Consenting Adults. We all miss you, and can't wait to work with you again. We desperately need you to open--even though no one wants to follow you.
Love,
Darcy

Originally posted Nov. 16, 2002

This is my second entry. I am not known to be shy, so here goes with a wonderful, well-remembered Rusty story.

Rusty was three years old. I took him to Towsley Nursery School in Ann Arbor. He was being interviewed by the Head Teacher, Miss Pat. Rusty looked all around the toy filled room, and said "Where are all ze uzzer childrens?" (Translation: other children). Teacher explained. Rusty, if you should ask that question today while looking around New York, Ann Arbor and the rest of the world, we could say that there are hundreds and hundreds and more hundreds of "uzzer childrens" - fans, friends everywhere, and family. By the way, you were a great student in Nursery School.
Love, Mom

Originally posted Nov. 16, 2002

I haven't seen you in years, Rusty. But as your mother is one of my best friends, I know all about you. I have a fond memory of your wedding in the Riverside Church. You looked so handsome, and Alison, as always, simply stunning.

Then I remember visiting you in your apt. and playing with Nat, then about 3 years. I didn't see you again, as you were always away when we got to visit N.Y. I admire your enormous courage.

All my love --

Moyra

Originally posted Nov. 15, 2002

Obviously, I'm the coolest non-famous person to sign this guestbook! Although I guess i might be famous, if you consider fame to equal how easily you are found by searching for your name on google.

Anyway, I gotta get myself to New York again at some point, hopefully before the next MacWorld, just because it's such a cool city to hang around in. Singapore is bigger, but it's one gigantic mall! There's nothing cool like Times Square! So sad. There's even a Red Hot Chilli Peppers concert here that I'm going to, and it's not even close to being sold sout. Crazy city-state! :)

So hopefully I'll get to see you three before next summer, I hope you're around Natick for Christmas as I will be getting all my nifty Christmas presents from Singapore, and they'll be cool! I swear! :)

Glad you got yourself a brand new G4 - your old machine sure was a workhorse, but this new one flies! Very cool, I'm definately jealous :)

So I am off to the Singapore Zoo today! Should be interesting, all those crazy tropical animals! I'll edit together a video before I leave so I can put it on the web for all to enjoy :)

I'll see ya later Rusty, you too Alison and Nat :)

Be well,
Luke

Originally posted Nov. 15, 2002

Hello Rusty,

Just wanted to say hello and wish you the best. We've worked together on the Moonwork shows a few times, and I was sorry to hear of your trouble. I hope that you feel better soon, stay strong. And remember the closing words of my favorite film "Being There" "Life is a state of mind"
Then we watch Chauncy Gardener walk on water, because he doesn't know that he shouldn't be able to.

All the best to you,

Ben Bailey

Originally posted Nov. 15, 2002

we miss rusty and we miss moonwork! my fiance and i live in colorado and are doing a work stint in san francisco. but back in our nyc days, our favorite saturday night was a little brown eyed girl with rusty magee. dustin has a crush on tom shilue, but my heart is rusty's.

please take care!