By DANIEL SHOCK
A Seat on the Aisle
I took two of my children, ages 20 and 12, to the Phoenix Theatre in downtown Indianapolis to see tick, tick … BOOM! – a rock musical adapted from an autobiographical one-man show by Jonathan Larson.
Larson is most well-known for his masterwork musical, RENT, for which he was awarded many posthumous awards – Pulitzer, Tony, Drama Desk, and many others. tick, tick… BOOM! was adapted again last year into a Netflix movie musical staring the Amazing Spider-Man’s Andrew Garfield. Jonathan Larson died much too early after the first preview performance of RENT.
With that knowledge of his impending tragic end, we watch the character of young Jon, played by Patrick Dinnsen, struggle with his life choices as his 30th birthday approaches like a time bomb (hence the title). Jon is a composer trying to establish himself in the New York musical theatre world. He is frustrated with the slow progress. He works at a diner while he tries to pay the bills and make his art.
Jon also feels pulled to different possibilities both personal and professional by the other two people in his life who have made the choice or are in the process of making that choice for something else. Jon’s girlfriend, Susan (Gabriella Gomez) is a dancer who feels the pull of a different life. She wants to move out of New York City for a less stressful life – one that includes a dishwasher. Jon’s best friend, Michael (played by Eddie Dean) was a talented actor who gave up the struggle for a corporate job that more than just pays the bills. Both of them urge Jon to look at his options and give up the struggle.
This is a powerful show. It deals with such easy questions as “What do I want to do for the rest of my life?” All of us who work in the arts have faced these choices to some degree. I went to college wanting to study theatre and be an actor. I chickened out after a few weeks. I wrote my drama teacher in high school and apologized for quitting. He showed up the next day to assured me that changing my mind was not a failure.
Director Emily Ristine has put together a show that will move you, make you laugh and cry and think about the choices you’ve made. The cast is superb. Patrick Dinnsen as Jon is on stage and singing 99 percent of the 1 hour and 25 minute run time. His performance seems easy and effortless. Gabriella Gomez plays Jon’s girlfriend Susan as well as a few other characters. She makes you feel Susan’s sadness and disappointment as she feels that pull to another life. Even if you want the change, you mourn the life you had. Eddie Dean as Jon’s best friend Michael is magnificent and moving when he sings in the song “Real Life.” You have no trouble believing the friendship between the two men. The three actors have an easy, charming chemistry.
Music was directed by Teneh Karimu and was provided by a talented band positioned perfectly above the stage. Set Design by Zac Hunter was elegant and functional and served the many locations well. Lighting and sound were also well done.
There is some strong language in the show. My 12-year-old enjoyed the show and was not harmed in anyway by it. My 20-year-old daughter really connected with the story as she is facing those same choices in her life now.
tick, tick … BOOM! will be playing at the Phoenix Theatre, 705 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, through Oct. 30. You can purchase tickets at phoenixtheatre.org/tick-tickboom.
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