Colonial Chorus Players 'Tick, Tick... Boom!' Moved Audiences

Never stop fighting to reach your dreams.

Colonial Chorus Players presents Tick, Tick... Boom! Based on the life of the late Jonathan Larson, he is feverishly racing through life. With his 30th birthday on the way, Jonathan is desperate to write the best musical theatre piece and become famous.

Tick, Tick... Boom! is one of those feel-good shows that makes you stop and think. I was so excited when I found out that Colonial Chorus Players was performing this invigorating show. The play's message asks us to slow down and enjoy every moment of life.

Jeff Mitchell, Sean Donnelly, Kara Chu Nelson, and Melissa Paz did an excellent job. A small cast, they played their primary roles changing to other characters almost instantly. As one example, Nelson played the part of Susan and then as Larson’s agent. You’d think that it was another actress with how believable she made the transformation.

The show’s highlight was Jeff Mitchell in his earnest portrayal of the late Jonathan Larson. Running in every direction to finish his dream, Larson forgets to sit down and enjoy life. Mitchell established the late creator’s personality along with noteworthy vocals. I felt goosebumps during his song number, ‘Why’.

Any relationship plays a significant facet in Larson’s life. The cast had a strong connection. I felt that all throughout the show. I liked Larson and Michael’s (Donnelly) friendship. Sharing a contrast in their lifestyles, they don’t let it stop them.

No show is ever put on its feet alone. Right when I walked into the theater, I inspected the layout of the set. Assembling the stage to look like Larson’s messy apartment, designers did a good job of making it feel lived in. That’s not all the set was used for. It became a diner. A table turned into a car. The power of imagination was conquered by the cast.

Downstage sat a piano. I was sitting in the front row. The piano signifies a magnitude point in the story. I cannot say how lucky I was to sit and watch the show’s most powerful moment conducted in this space.

Speaking of music, songs were performed with a live orchestra on the stage. Song numbers include ‘Johnny Can’t Decide’, ‘Come to Your Senses’, and the audience favorite, ‘Therapy’. As noted, the cast had a fun time presenting these numbers. Mitchell and Donnelly happily bounced about the stage and jumped on the couch in ‘No More’.

Caitlin Beckman’s best work in her direction went to the cast. She paid respects to the late Larson. Tick, Tick... Boom! reflects a story about life. Nobody ever knows what’s going to happen. That’s exciting and scary at the same time. We cannot let our passions overtake our lives.

Beckman connected with audiences. I always look forward to the audience's reaction to any show that I attend. The most meaningful part of the show was how silent the audience was during ‘Why?’ I fell in love with this song right after I watched Netflix’s film adaptation. Moved by the empowering song, the applause was immense.

Tick, Tick... Boom! is a relatable theme for all audiences. At some point in everyone’s life, whether in our 20s, 40s, or any age, we have all felt lost. Finding a career is essential, however, it is so important to take a break and enjoy life. Spend time with friends, call your family, and make relationships.

Seeing Tick, Tick... Boom! at Colonial Chorus Players was a wonderful experience. Well done to the cast and crew for a magnificent job.