Infused with equal parts ambition, anxiety, and of course artistry, the dreams of Jonathan Larson take center stage this weekend at the Bowlus Fine Arts, courtesy of Allen Community College’s theatre and music departments.
“tick, tick … Boom!” is a semi-autobigraphical musical that follows Larson’s story of a struggling, not-so-young composer, uncertain whether his lifelong dream of a Broadway success is slipping through his grasp.
You see, Larson’s 30th birthday is rapidly approaching, an arbitrary, yet vital milestone he’d set for himself years prior. Many of his friends have hit it big by now, while he’s still waiting tables.
And while his talent is obvious to those closest to him, his opportunities to grab the brass ring are coming fewer and farther between.
Therein lies his dilemma. Larson’s two closest confidants, his best friend Michael and girlfriend Susan were at one time just like Jon, struggling young artists.
Alas, Michael’s dreams have changed. He gave up performing for a 9-to-5 job, and has already become a success as an executive.
And Susan has her eyes set on a quieter lifestyle, outside the bright lights of New York City, where she can still dance, but now be able to own a dishwasher.
Larson feels the tug of both — and both will gladly welcome him into their new ventures — yet he still has important business to attend to. He’s putting the finishing touches on a rock monologue of sorts, and is days away from presenting his music as part of a workshop.
If well received, the workshop could be the break he needs. If not… Well, we won’t give any spoilers.
THE SETTING for “tick, tick … Boom!” is both simple yet elaborate, with a colorful mural of New York’s skyline in the background, and an oversized keyboard platform covering much of the Bowlus stage.
And that’s where the magic happens.
Buoyed by an electric four-piece band, the three-member cast is certain to keep the audience enthralled from start to finish.
Nautianna Goforth shines as Susan, whose longing for a simpler life comes with the realization that such a move may come at a cost — namely, her relationship with Larson.
Likewise, Krais Baker deftly captures the emotions of an artist at heart, who fully recognizes his best friend’s talent, but also realizes his own future, too, lies elsewhere.
(Goforth and Baker also shift character into other figures, from Larson’s parents to his agent.)
Offstage, the musical accompaniment is nothing short of spectacular. Allen music director Jeffrey Anderson on the piano, Caleb Caviness on guitar, bassist Antonio Campos and Adrian Ingles on drums bring to life a series of impeccably timed numbers. They perfectly capture the mood of each character, shifting seamlessly, and rapidly, from scene to scene.
Likewise, director Tricia Stogsdill is equally up to the challenge with her stagework and choreography. And don’t forget to offer a hearty round of applause to John Leahy, scenic designer, whose colorful set pieces accentuate superbly the world of “tick, tick … Boom!”
