Playing in the late night slot at the historic Old Fitz Theatre is musical Tick, Tick… Boom! The semi-autobiographical monologue was written by Jonathan Larson about the creation of a show he was sure would change the face of American musical theater. And it did. Rent would become a show-stopping sensation, sell out internationally and win the Pulitzer Prize and four Tony Awards. Sadly, at 35 years-of-age, Larson didn’t see the success of his production; he died the night before the show opened.

Tick, Tick… Boom! is a harbinger of what would have been an electrifying career for the writer. Similar to Larson’s story, Tick, Tick… Boom! follows Jon, a promising young musical composer, approaching 30, questioning his creative ability and hopeful that a workshop performance of his rock musical Superbia will launch his career. Acknowledging the persistent ticking, Jon contemplates the virtue in following his dreams or value in giving up and accepting a corporate advertising career.

Set in New York City, Tick, Tick… Boom! delves into the life-altering questions artists face and how Jon’s ambition and creative struggles impact his relationships with his girlfriend and best-friend/ex-roommate Michael.

A trio of recent NIDA graduates perform the lead roles. Jon (played by Brodie Masini), barely off stage for the 90-minute running time, carries the show and is authentic as a struggling artist. Tessa Olsson, heartfelt in her solo of ‘Come to Your Senses’, is Michael’s girlfriend Susan, pushing him to leave New York and move to the suburbs with her.

Mid-show, the Director (Kurtis Laing) stepped in to explain there was a technical issue and that Hamish Wells (playing Michael) would perform the rest of the show unmic’ed. Wells may have suffered vocal strain by the end of the show but he performed his role with gusto, not holding back vocally and brilliantly acting multiple roles.

Tick, Tick… Boom! is an energetic show and physically demanding for the performers, requiring the actors to sing and dance. Wells even throws in some over the top comedic dance moves, much to the audience’s delight. Amongst the show tunes are sentimental ballads, however the stand out musical number for me was a fun song between Masini and Olsson singing about a love for Twinkies and sugar treats.

The set design was sparse with only a keyboard set-up, which Masini played near the end of the show. However, the production’s supported by a live band adding ambience of the small theatre.

The Old Fitz Theatre is Australia’s last pub theatre and one of Australia’s smallest theatres with just 55 seats has an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Several of Australia’s great artists have performed or had their work shown Old at the Fitz, including Tim Minchin, Kate Mulvany and Sarah Snook.

Dedicated to his craft, apparently Larson wrote for eight hours a day. A love letter to musical theatre, this show will appeal to those who don’t want to give up their dreams, artistic or otherwise. 3.5 stars

For more information visit: https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/tick-tick-boom