Jonathan Larsen wrote the acclaimed musical Rent, but he didn’t live to see the show’s global success. Sadly he passed away unexpectedly the day before it had it’s first off-Broadway preview.
Prior to writing the well known musical Larsen developed several other projects that failed to find success during his lifetime. One of these is Tick, Tick…Boom! a solo work he created in 1990. Larsen wrote it after his first musical Superbia failed to make it to the stage.
A few years after his death it was re-worked as a piece for three performers, and now a trio of local actors will deliver the show at Koorliny Arts Centre in August.
The autobiographical musical explores the end of youth and the definition of success as it tells the story of a young composer trying to make his mark in theatre. Jon is a struggling composer whose life seems to be going nowhere. About to turn 30 and still waiting tables for a living, Jon is desperately scared that he may never “make it” on Broadway.
The pressure is on when Jon’s girlfriend, Susan, says she wants to get married and move out of the city, and his best friend, Michael, quits acting for financial success as a corporate executive.
Jon’s new musical Superbia has a great workshop but no prospects, and as time ticks by Jon wonders if maybe his friends are right, and it’s time to throw in the towel.
This deeply personal peek into the life of an artist features Joshua Towns as Jon, Cat Maree Perez as Michael and Grace Johnson as Susan, with direction by Tay Broadley and musical direction by Taui Pinker.
Broadley says he was especially attracted to directing a contemporary rock musical as opposed to one of the “classics”.
“The small-scale show with massive emotional impact seemed like a challenge worth taking on,” he said.
“I’m hoping audiences relate to the passion of Tick, Tick … Boom! and the idea that some things are worth seeing through no matter what. Not everything can last, but it’s worth holding onto what makes you, you.”
Tick, Tick … Boom! is the third production in the Koorliny Arts Centre and Kwinana Industries Council 2019 Performance Season and will show on August 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2pm on August 17 and 24.
This show is suitable for people aged 15+ due to drug and sexual references. Tickets are now on sale, for more information visit www.koorliny.com.au
OIP Staff
