tick, tick…Boom! refers to the incessant noise he heard in his head. If only he could make it stop. No such luck. So instead of letting it slowly drive him crazy, he turned it into an off-Broadway musical that perfectly captured his torturous early years as a Broadway composer.
The production of the show now up at Vintage Theatre is an autobiographical account of real-life composer Jonathan Larson’s attempt to showcase his freshman musical Superbia, which he had been working on for over five years. Larson is eager for success and has Broadway in his sights. Both humorous and moving, Vintage Theatre has mounted a first-rate production that entertains while occasionally tearing at your heart.
Taking place on the precipice of his 30th birthday, Jon (Andrew Seracuse) is fixated on the fact that he has not accomplished what others seem to have easily achieved by 30. Look at Stephen Sondheim’s early successes or even his own father, who’d had children by the time he was 30. Jon finds himself working in a diner to support his somewhat diminished lifestyle. But never fear, he has Superbia tucked away in his back pocket, and it is soon to be unleashed on the theatre world with a showcase performance for Broadway insiders.
Along with Jon, we are introduced to his best friend Michael (Justin Ostergard), and his girlfriend Susan (Tracy Denver). Each one influences Jon in different ways. Michael is moving out of their shared apartment, leaving Jon stretched to the max while Michael openly flaunts a newly acquired lifestyle after “selling out” as a self-proclaimed failed actor. Susan, feeling somewhat abandoned in their relationship, takes a job in New England while encouraging Jon to join her.
We could not ask for a more appealing cast. All three are incredibly solid performers with immeasurable likeability. The production is well suited for the smaller venue at Vintage, and the trio fills the stage both musically and emotionally. Andrew Seracuse exudes a certain level of confidence while still at a moment’s notice crumbling at the thought of turning 30. Ostergard and Denver are called upon to play multiple roles throughout the performance — not only in top form as Michael and Susan, but both pulling off highly comedic characterizations as peripheral people in Jon’s life.
*Note: This show has two casts, and I saw the “The Moondance Cast” with Andy Seracuse as Jon, Tracy Denver as Susan, and Justin Ostergard as Michael. This cast performs Friday and Saturday Eeenings and Sunday matinees
The Bohemian Cast performs Thursday evenings and Saturday matinees and features Nick Marshall as Jon, Isabella Duran as Susan, and Hayes Burton as Michael
Larson’s music is the tie that binds the entire piece together. The opening number “30/90” captures Jon’s ultimate dismay with turning 30 in 1990. We are then treated to “Sunday” brunch at the diner where Jon works. Especially humorous, this song features typical New Yorkers who are completely disdainful of nearly everyone and everything. Ostergard shines in the musical number “Real Life” and as Karessa (an actress from Jon’s showcase) Denver brings down the house with her rendition of “Come to Your Senses.” Finally, the trio closes the performance with “Louder Than Words,” encompassing heartfelt emotion that encapsulates the journey just witnessed during the previous two hours. A special mention must go to The Band featuring Brandon Bill (piano/conductor), Brian Jaffe (percussion), Christian Shaw (guitar), and David James and Coire Geare (bass). Their musical accompaniment is perfect for the size of the space and is never overpowering, providing a solid rock soundtrack for the score.
Directed by Shannon McCarthy, the production is first-rate. McCarthy leads the actors through their paces at breakneck speed even while capturing special moments at nearly every turn. The production has a lot of life in it even though we have been warned in the program about Larson’s tragic end. But this production of tick, tick…Boom! does not foreshadow doom and gloom — quite the contrary. It’s a story all about living with dreams and reaching for the stars.
Jonathan Larson’s contribution to musical theatre will live on through his limited catalog of work. Having composed the mega-hit Rent, interest in his work blossomed after his death. tick, tick…Boom! is a perfect example of this interest and the production at Vintage Theatre is a living tribute to someone whose life was cut short but shall not be forgotten.
Eric Fitzgerald started producing plays when he was 5 years old. He spent eight years in New York City as a talent agent representing well-known actors and actresses. Fitzgerald also worked for the ABC Television Network for 12 years both with ABC News and ABC Daytime. He lives in Aurora with his cat Max.
There are two casts to this show, would have been nice to mention the other performers!
Thanks for that heads-up! We have adjusted the post to credit both casts.