“Chris Jenkins as Jon delivers every emotion perfectly”
Tick, Tick … Boom! is Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical rock based musical set in New York in 1990. Originally a solo work and then adapted posthumously for three actors, it looks at how Jonathan (Chris Jenkins) deals with turning thirty, rejection both of his work and by his girlfriend Susan (Gillian Saker) and his relationship with his childhood friend, Michael (Jordan Shaw).
Set intimately in Park Theatre 90, the audience is always very close to the action feeling at times as though you are actually sat in that perfectly styled Soho flat (design by Nik Corrall).
The show starts with Jon sat in his flat and a ticking sound which he states is not a technical fault – this turns out to be slightly ironic as the first part of the show was dogged by some sound issues with vocals drifting and being lost.
The accomplished cast work well together with Saker and Shaw also effortlessly handling half a dozen or so minor roles. Chris Jenkins is a very believable Jon with a warm and charismatic approach he delivers every emotion perfectly.
Musical numbers are accompanied by a strong four piece band led by Gareth Bretherton. Ranging from witty digs at New York’s social climbers in ‘Sunday’ to powerful solo ballads such as ‘Come to Your Senses ‘ (sung beautifully by Gillian Saker).
Inevitably, there are a few tunes that seem very ‘Rent’ like (which isn’t a bad thing at all) and there are other similarities too; the New York setting, artistic crowd and the shadow of AIDS. Yet this is a very different show to Rent, by its autobiographical nature, it feels more believable.
Apart from the sound issues and a wobbly chair threatening to topple Chris Jenkins into the audience (oh, and (geek alert) an out of place BT telephone handset in a 90s New York apartment) – this is a brilliant production of the lesser known Larson work. Bronagh Lagan’s direction, Nik Corrall’s design and Ben Roger’s lighting have brought a magic spark to the show making it ninety minutes that fly by leaving you wanting more.
Funny yet sad, powerful yet delicate, Tick! Tick! … Boom is one to see.
Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Joe C Brown
in association with Park Theatre present
Jonathan Larson’s
tick, tick… BOOM!
Full casting has been announced for tick, tick… BOOM! at Park Theatre: the autobiographical rock musical detailing the journey that led to Jonathan Larson’s big break and Broadway blockbuster, Rent. As Jon frets over his inert career as a composer in the prelude to his thirtieth birthday, the future Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winner, accompanied by his friend and girlfriend, begin to question if it’s time to move away from his theatre aspirations.
Chris Jenkins returns to Park Theatre in the role of Jon, following his appearance in 2016’s quadruple Offie Award-nominated musical The Burnt Part Boys in PARK90. Gillian Saker (BBC Two’s Ripper Street) performs the role of Jon’s girlfriend Susan, with Jordan Shaw (Motown The Musical, Shaftesbury Theatre) playing the part of Michael, Jon’s childhood friend.
Susan wants to get married, move out of the city, and away from the life of impoverished artistry. Michael is making big money on Madison Avenue, yet Jon is still waiting on tables and trying to write the great American musical. Set in 1990, this compelling story of personal discovery embraces the ideal of holding onto your dreams through life’s most difficult challenges.
Containing fourteen songs, ten characters, three actors and a band, tick, tick… BOOM! is directed by Bronagh Lagan. Her director credits include: Promises, Promises (Southwark Playhouse), Rags – The Musical (Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue), A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg (Greenwich Theatre), Expectations (Arcola), Blood Wedding (Courtyard Theatre) and Henry VI Part 1 (Rose Theatre).
Chris Jenkins
Gillian Saker
Jordan Shaw
Cast
Jonathan played by Chris Jenkins
Michael played by Jordan Shaw
Susan played by Gillian Saker
Info
tick, tick… BOOM!
3 – 27 May 2017
Tue – Sat Evenings 7.45pm | Thu & Sat Matinees 3.15pm
