Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (reviewed Wednesday 17 July)
Tick Tick Boom! is a compelling title for its high-key subject matter: the price of passion and the urgency to create above all else. Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical play engages a similar tone to La La Land, so if you enjoy plays filled with schmaltzy ballads, this is the show for you.
Brodie Masini plays Jonathan, a stagnated composer on the cusp of 30 who can hear his creative biological clock ticking. Tessa Olsson plays Susan, his girlfriend who teaches ballet to ‘wealthy and untalented children’. Hamish Wells plays Michael, a friend of Jonathan’s since childhood who gave up acting to pursue a lucrative career in marketing.
Together, in cut-throat New York city, they navigate, evaluate, debate and gesticulate the merit of their choices and the impact on their relationships. Meanwhile, Jonathan is anxious about an upcoming workshop for his newest musical, SUPERBIA which could lead to a big break.
High production values are invested in a live band, comprising of Aaron Bonduriansky (guitar), Dominic Yeap-Holliday (bass) and Finn Johnson (percussion). Director Kurtis Laing and Musical Director Iris Wu along with the cast create a high energy, fully committed concept that absolutely delighted the audience on opening night, even when technical failure required the opening to be done again.
The modest stage at Old Fitz felt a bit static in this production, even with a live band. The window panes could have given us a few more glimpses of New York city instead of being covered the whole time with drawn shades. Whilst the claustrophobic element is definitely a theme in this show, it started to feel a bit clinical half-way through its 90-minute run time.
The biggest selling point of this production is the dazzling cast who aim to entertain and be funny with their OTT characterisations. The audience warmly embraced their charm with a great deal of laughter and applause.
Tick Tick Boom! is playing at Old Fitz Theatre till 26 July. For tickets and showtimes, go to https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/tick-tick-boom
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Images: Robert Miniter