Tick, Tick … Boom!

Jonathan Larson’s story is as compelling as it is tragic, weaving together elements of Bohemia and Shakespeare. The artist, tragically destined to pass before fully embracing his success, is known for his global sensation, RENT. However, Larson's masterwork, Tick, Tick … Boom!, a semi-autobiographical, semi-fantastical, and completely soul-baring narrative, remained largely unproduced until the smash hit film adaptation released in late 2021.

The piece dramatises and documents the week leading up to Larson’s first-ever public workshop of his only unfinished and unseen musical, Superbia. This momentous event unfolded during the week of his 30th birthday, a time fraught with the anxieties of growing older - a sentiment I once dismissed until experiencing it firsthand last year.

Curtain Bounce, under the accomplished direction of Ruth Tiffen, has crafted a remarkable rendition of this poignant narrative. Tiffen has created a truly knockout show.

Our protagonist, Jon, is portrayed by regional favourite Isaac Ledingham, who delivers a performance imbued with both warmth and grit, effectively bringing to life an artist in search of meaning within the notes and melodies of his own work and his icons. Ledingham's commitment even extends to learning the piano for the role, a move that would surely make Larson proud.

Joshua Keane infuses the character of Michael with a potent vulnerability. Despite the challenging nature of the role, Keane's seasoned performance makes it appear effortless.

Jessica King, a shining presence on stage, delivers a commanding performance in the dual roles of Susanne and Carissa. Her rendition of “Come To Your Senses”, the only Superbia song ever published until the 2021 film, is a showstopper.

Together, Leddingham, Keane, and King deliver one of the most professional works seen on the coast in years.

A standout element in this luminous production is the shared portrayal of Jon's agent, Judith, by Keane and King.

Tiffen's solid direction is further amplified by Stuart Smith's striking lighting design and Carolyn McNamara’s on point and on brand choreography. The band, led by Alex Swan, is tightly synchronized, delivering a smooth performance that adapts effortlessly to the demands of the show, including a surprising but brilliant set of cameos.

As a self-proclaimed “RENThead,” I must admit this production has transformed me into a full-blown devotee of the Tick, Tick … Boom! congregation. It’s the superior show, but, one I avoided for years, knowing its intimate connections to Larson's tragic end and my own cardiac diagnosis. However, this production, treated with such care and respect, feels deeply personal. I owe a heartfelt thank you to Tiffen and her team for their respect and reverence towards Larson's narrative, and the many artists who have stories like his. They have breathed life and hope into this tale.

Tick, Tick … Boom! is an exceptional production, impeccable from start to finish. It deserves packed houses and standing ovations. A new wave of theatre-making is sweeping across this region, and with companies like Curtain Bounce riding at the crest, the future of Central Coast Theatre looks very promising.

Joshua Maxwell