Written by Jonathan Larson
Directed by Nikki Fitzgerald
Musical Direction by Callum Tolhurst-Close
ACT Hub, Kingston to 21 December
Reviewed by Len Power 12 December 2024
Jonathan Larson, the author of the 1996 musical, “Rent”, died just before its opening on Broadway, where it became a big hit. “tick, tick… BOOM!” details the struggle and self-doubts of a young musical writer in New York in the 1990s. It’s a semi-autobiographical show that gives an insight into the current state of mind of the character as he tries to have his work accepted in the notoriously tough Broadway environment.
“tick, tick… BOOM!” began life as a solo work in 1990, which Larson himself performed. After his death and the success of “Rent”, “tick, tick… BOOM!” was revised and revamped by playwright David Auburn into a three-character work which premiered off-Broadway in 2001. The show has gone on to have an international success and has been filmed.
The musical needs a performer who can play the piano, sing and act very well. In ACT Hub’s new production, Alexander Unikowski brings his knowledge and talent as a musical director of local shows to the part of the aspiring composer, Jon. The role fits him perfectly and he performs all aspects of this character with skill and a winning appeal. His singing of “Johnny Can’t Decide”, “See Her Smile” and “Why” are especially memorable.
Dave Collins is convincing as Jon’s best friend, Michael, and he gives a heart-felt performance of the song, "Real Life".
As Jon’s girlfriend, Susan, Taylor Paliaga impresses with a touching and believable performance of a woman who clearly loves Jon but needs a change in her life. She also plays other incidental characters in the show and gives a nicely sensitive performance of the song, “Come To Your Senses”, as the character, Karessa.
 |
| Taylor Paliaga, Alexander Unikowski and Dave Collins |
Director, Nikki Fitzgerald, has staged the show very well, keeping this 90 minute show without interval constantly interesting. There are inventive touches that indicate changes of scene with minimal props and costume and the show moves at a good pace. Nathan Rutups’ choreography is equally inventive and suits the style of the show very well.
Nathan Patrech’s sound design is so good that the singers did not sound amplified at all and the sound balance between performers and the small band was just right. Callum Tolhurst-Close and the band members gave a fine performance of the score.
This musical, all the more poignant because we know that Jonathan Larson didn’t live to see his success with “Rent”, has been given an excellent production by Nikki Fitzgerald and ACT Hub.
Photo by Janelle McMenamin and Michael Moore
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.
