Krystal Claros, Alec Huang, and Luke Halpern in Boho Theater’s Ticking…BOOM! / Photo by Jenn Udoni, Franco Images Photography
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Around the corner, a sinister presence lurks in the shadows, ready to strike. One day you will be forced to face whatever you do… turn 30!
Existential horror drives the story of “Ticking… BOOM!” Presented by Boho Theatre, directed by Beau Frazier with music by Harper Caruso. The work is a semi-autobiographical account of the life of its author, Jonathan Larson, who celebrates the failure of his 1984 show “Supervia” and the success of his posthumous smash hit “Rent”. It is set between two major Life His events. Turquoise and magenta rays hang in the haze-filled air, illuminating a scene resembling a rock concert. Towering scaffolding and stacked black boxes surround a raised central platform where a band of three musicians sit (drums are set aside). Guitars and ukuleles hang on either side, and the actors occasionally complement the music with additional instrumental playing.
The show goes on at a breakneck pace. Opening with his number “30/90,” Jonathan (Alec Huang) takes to the band’s platform and passionately unfolds the many fears of turning 30. At least once in your life! Jonathan is joined by only one other actor, Jonathan’s roommate and childhood friend Michael (Crystal Claros), and Jonathan’s girlfriend Susan (Luke Halpern).
Other characters, such as Jonathan’s parents, random businessmen, and new love interests, are taken on by the actors and band, making for a very efficient production. A tight 90-minute show with no breaks is a marathon that flies by. There are moments when he’s laughing at his satirical jabs at weekend brunchers on the song “Sunday,” and moments when he’s holding back tears as Jonathan explores existential grief on “Why.” There is also “A voice louder than words”.
Both Susan and Michael try to pull Jonathan away from his dream of becoming a musical composer and playwright. Classy and sophisticated, Michael gave up his acting career years ago and instead chose to join a top-tier marketing firm, prompting Jonathan to do the same with his designer clothes and better apartment glamour. In the haunting song “Real Life,” Michael asks, “What more do you want?”
Alec Huang and Luke Halpern at ‘tick, tick…BOOM!’ at Boho Theater/Photo by Jenn Udoni, Franco Images Photography
Susan, coquettish in a tight skirt, with curly hair tied in two pom-pom buns, is a dancer looking for work out of town, and pleads with Jonathan to come with her. But Jonathan wonders if an aspiring Broadway artist could live outside of New York City.
In both scenarios, it was a tough decision that shattered Jonathan’s dreams of fame and recognition. But time is running out! Jonathan, haunted by a persistent demon in the form of a constant ticking that only they can hear, asks, “What if you’re 30 and nothing’s changed?” .
Defects found in production are minor. Sometimes the band is a little too soft and the singer himself seems to be having trouble hearing the music. I’m also wrong about eardrum safety compared to music venues in .
“Tick-tick… Boom!” is an onomatopoeia, like a sustained explosion or a well-planned program of fireworks. As one explosion climaxes, another explodes right behind it. If you like high-energy, metaphysical musings and rocking soundtracks, prepare to be blown away!
“Tick-tick…boom!” The Edge Theater, 5451 North Broadway, edgetheatre.com, (773) 769-9112. Tickets range from $12-$35. January 14th to February 5th.
