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There is a sad irony to American playwright Jonathon Larson’s musical TICK, TICK…BOOM! which is currently having a brief season at the Lyric Theatre at Star City.
Written in 1990, Larson wrote the play exactly about what he was going through at the time. It was the time of his 30th birthday and what he had hoped to achieve, a career as a ‘musicals’ playwright had eluded him. The musical is about him wondering whether it would ever happen whilst at the same time his girlfriend was in the process of leaving him, because she felt like there was no future, and his best friend was making a motza in business. Maybe he needed to sell out and get a real job.
The musical is framed around a play that he had written called ‘Superbia’ which did receive some acclaim and he even received an encouraging call from Stephen Sondheim. This encouraged Larson to continue his pursuit which saw him write another musical ‘Rent’ which proved to be his big career breakthrough.
The sad irony is that on the day before the first preview performance of ‘Rent’ in New York Larson’s time ran out, exploding from an aortic dissection. How cruel is that!
Tyron Parke’s production is first class. The performances are all good. Hugh Sheridan gives a great performance as Jonathon, Elenoa Rokobaro is outstanding as his long time girlfriend Susan and Finn Alexander gives a winning performance as Jonathon’s flatmate Michael with Sheridan Adams and Hamish Johnston playing a number of minor roles.
Parke’s talented creative team combine well with choreography by Freya List, set design by Christina Smith, lighting design by Matt Scott, costume design by Jodi Hope, sound design by Jack Scandrett and musical direction by Kohan Van Sambeck.
Sadly, Storyboard Entertainment’s Production of TICK, TICK…BOOM! is only playing a short season at the Lyric Theatre at Star City commencing on the 22nd April with closing night on the 26th April 2023.
Production photography Jeff Busby