[yasr_overall_rating]
Set in 1990, this compelling story of personal discovery is presented as a musical filled with instantly appealing melodies and a unique blend of musical theatre styles.
OnStage in Bedford opens its 2016 season with the runaway smash “Tick, Tic…Boom!” The work is described as an autobiographical musical by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composer of “Rent,” Jonathan Larson. First performed as a solo rock monologue by Larson in 1990, it is the story of an aspiring composer who questions his life choices on the eve of his thirtieth birthday. As most struggling performers and writers, the main character “Jon” has reached a point in his life where he debates whether he should continue to try and make it big, or change his life direction completely. After Larson’s death in 1995, the show was restructured into a 3-man musical, bringing in Jon’s girl friend and best friend.
As the lights come up, we are aware of a persistent ticking sound, Jon (Trey West) introduces himself.. “The sound you are hearing is not a technical problem. It is not a musical cue. It is not a joke. It is the sound of one man’s mounting anxiety. I…am that man.” Jon’s girlfriend Susan (Nikki Cloer), and his best friend/roommate Michael (Marccus Jauregui), soon enter the story bringing their own agendas.
Prior to the show’s start there is an audio track being played over the speakers in the theater giving a “Cliff Notes” outline of Johnathan Larson’s life. It’s easily missed if you are mulling in the lobby, or catching up with friends. I was grateful to have heard most of it, as “Tick, Tick…Boom!” very closely resembles Larson’s life up to the time of his first major musical theater success.
Thank you Onstage for opening your 31st season with such brilliance, power and grace! The show runs a swift and tidy 90 minutes without an intermission, and also without a dull or hollow moment. All of the musical numbers give the performers a chance to wow us with their soaring vocals, but when all three are on stage together, their harmonies made my heart stop. Dynamic vocals combined with interesting and fun choreography have this season setting a high bar for the shows to follow.
Nikki Cloer is perfectly cast as Jon’s girlfriend. Her poise and grace on stage perfectly conveys the dancer that Susan is written to be. Her crystal clear, pitch perfect offerings are a joy to hear. Trey West and Marccus Jauregui offer equally brilliant vocals and characterizations. From curtain up to curtain call, I was pulled in and wrapped up completely and entirely in the lives of Jon, Susan and Michael. Congratulations to all three actors who are working together for the first time, and also making their Onstage debuts.
Set design and lighting are not to be passed over when accolades are being garnished. After nearly a year of reviewing shows at Onstage, I was delighted when the set and lighting for “Tick, Tick…Boom!” surprised me with its fresh dynamics and impact. Oftentimes it is far too easy for a theater to fall into a rut where set and lighting are concerned. Onstage has absolutely NOT fallen into that trap. Everything about set, lighting and how the characters move in the world of “Tick, Tick…Boom!” is perfection.
Run, do not walk to place your reservations for “Tick, Tick…Boom!” It is in production at Bedford Onstage through the remainder of February. Tickets can be purchased online at www.onstageinbedford.com over the phone at (817) 354-6444 or at the box office located in the theater at Bedford Boys Ranch (Forest Ridge Drive at Harwood Road in Bedford, TX). Performances are every Friday and Saturday night at 8pm, and Sunday afternoons at 3pm.
Performances are February 5th thru February 28th
