Sydney Reviews

The year is 1990 and this is the story of Jon, a composer on the brink of turning the big 3-0. He lives in New York City and waits tables in between writing the ‘Great American Musical’. Susan, his girlfriend of two years, is a dancer teaching ballet to the ‘wealthy and untalented’. Michael, Jon’s best friend and housemate, is a successful research executive who owns a BMW and an apartment (being re-modelled!) with a bathtub (in the bathroom!). Both Susan and Michael want the best for Jon – suggesting that he A) leave New York City or B) come into the firm to put his ‘creative flare’ into practice. Yet they all know that his true path lies in musical theatre and composition.

The musical is based on the life of Jonathan Larson (known for his Tony Award winning musical, Rent) as he struggles to pursue his dream of cracking into show business. He works on his musical, Superbia, in his run-down apartment in SoHo and constantly battles with his own confidence leading up to the big workshop.

Even though the story is told through bursts of song and dance, it remains very real and emotionally engaging. The quintessential ‘musical about writing a musical’ is produced here in a fresh new way, also drawing attention to Larson’s pursuit of rock music revolutionising the Broadway circuit (starting with Hair and Larson’s own Rent, which has now been fully realised with musicals such as Spring Awakening and Rock of Ages).

Consisting of three actors, ten characters and a rockin’ band, the show proves that a great musical doesn’t need to be a large scale production with a ridiculous budget (although the gorgeous fairy lights and backdrop made me want to buy a one-way ticket to NYC). The songs are instantly catchy with some featuring very cute choreography. Songs such as ‘Sunday’, ‘Therapy’ and ‘Sugar’ get the giggles from the audience while ‘Real Life’ and ‘Why’ are heartfelt and incredibly moving as we can see the raw emotion emanate from the actors.

The stars of the show: Tyran Parke, Justin Smith and Melle Stewart, are exceptionally talented. Each character they play make the audience feel instantly connected and drawn in to the unfolding events and developing relationships. Playing at NIDA’s Parade Playhouse, the feeling is cosy, providing a perfect set up for an intimate musical performance.

As well as being a very entertaining piece of theatre, the musical’s underlying message is one of hope. After an answering machine message from the man whose name Jon can barely utter (Ste--en Son--eim!), he realises that with a little courage and just a little more time, he can achieve anything.


Newline Productions presents
Tick, Tick...Boom!
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson

Directed by Jay James-Moody

Venue: Parade Playhouse, Parade Theatres (NIDA)
Dates: 12 – 16 July, 2011
Bookings: Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au