Theatre

tick, tick … BOOM! is an autobiographical musical of Jonathan Larson, the creator of the famous Broadway musical Rent. As he passed away of a heart attack soon after completing Rent, these are the only two musicals by Larson that have survived and can be staged. While Rent earned Jonathan Larson a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, tick, tick … BOOM! chronicled the struggles and the uneasy steps he went through before he became successful. The two musicals resonate and connect with each other like sisters do!

The story took place in New York in the 1990s. Jon is an aspiring musical composer. He has worked very hard for years, but he is yet to make a name for himself. He has to work in a restaurant to support himself. Soon turning 30, he approaches the big crossroad of life. Jon’s girlfriend Susan wants to get married and leave New York; his good friend Michael has given up his acting dream a long time ago and has now become successful in his new career. Michael is introducing Jon to a “well-paid job”. Jon feels perplexed between career changing and completing the musical that is about to be staged… In the evening of his 30th birthday, friends light up candles on the cake to celebrate with him. How does Jon choose in the end? The legend of Jonathan Larson inspires generations of young people who still have their dreams but are struggling in reality – stand up for your dreams, and you will see light at the end of the tunnel!