Review: tick, tick….BOOM! Explodes with Energy at Theatre Raleigh
Tick, tick…boom! Who amongst us hasn’t felt that inevitable passing of time? That awful dread and gnawing fear that life is passing us by and we haven’t done enough with the time we are given?
Ian Fairly (left) and Lawrence Dandridge
tick, tick…BOOM! exemplifies what it looks like to face this fear. To love anyway and follow our dreams, no matter how scared we are. Written by Jonathan Larson, this semi-autobiographical musical follows the story of aspiring musical theater composer Jon (Ian Fairlee) in 1990 New York City. With the help of his friend and former roommate Michael (Lawrence Dandridge) and dance teacher girlfriend Susan (Ellie Barone), he must come face to face with his impending 30th birthday as he begins to panic about getting older and his lack of theatrical success.
As Jon prepares for his upcoming showcase of his musical Superbia (an unproduced musical with a book and lyrics from Larson), Fairlee finds the delicate balance between Jon’s increasing anxiousness and his own confidence as a performer. Serving as production narrator, Jon is often interrupted by his own thoughts, struck by a far off, intermittent “tick, tick…..” in the back of his head. Jon may be slipping dangerously close to panic mode, but Fairlee leads the production with confidence as numbers like “30/90” and “Louder Than Words” are given the credit they are due.
But it is Ellie Barone who steals the show as Jon’s girlfriend Susan. As she joins Fairlee on stage for their number “Green Green Dress,” their chemistry is palpable. With a rich, gorgeous voice, Barone makes sure she is unforgettable in numbers like “Johnny Can’t Decide” and “Come to Your Senses.” Raw, emotional, and honest, “Come to Your Senses” grows in passion and intensity, and is by far the best moment of the night as Barone enthralls and captivates her audience with ease.
Ellie Barone
Dandridge shines as Jon’s best friend Michael, a former actor who gave up his performing dreams for a more lucrative career in marketing. As he prances around the stage during his number “No More” with Jon, he brings enough flair and pizazz to power the room. Together, their energy is unstoppable. But it is not until “Real Life” that Dandrige finally gets his own moment to shine as he pours emotion and soul onto the stage with impeccable tone and vocal control.
Lawrence Dandridge
Barone and Dandrige take on multiple characters in the show as they pop in and out of Jon’s life, including customers at his diner job and executives at Michael’s marketing firm. Barone in particular has mastered the art of creating a new character simply by switching her hair or throwing on a sweater, creating characters that are just over the top enough without crossing the line into unrealistic absurdity.
Larson has often credited the late Stephen Sondheim as one of his biggest inspirations, and his influence is obvious throughout the production as Larson pays subtle homage to some of Sondheim’s most popular musicals, including Sunday in the Park with George and West Side Story.
Theatre Raleigh’s production of tick, tick…BOOM! is directed by Broadway alum Amy Spanger, who originated the role of Susan in the original off-Broadway production. The production also features choreography from Brian Shepard, scenic design from Becca Fowler, sound design from Parker Gagnier, lighting design from Kiahana Toomer, costume design from Kishara McKnight, property design from Tim Domack, and fight and intimacy coordination from Heather Strickland.
tick, tick….BOOM! Features language that may not be suitable for young children.
tick, tick…BOOM! Runs at Theatre Raleigh through April 21, 2024. Tickets can be purchased here.
All production photo credit to Jennifer Robertson Photography. Additional production photos can be found below.
