tick, tick…BOOM! - Theatre Three | 3.2.24
Photo Credit: www.THEATRETHREE.comTheatre Three Productions in Port Jefferson is currently presenting the Jonathan Larson musical ‘tick, tick…BOOM!’ from February 17th to March 16th, featuring three Long Island Theater veterans that dazzles at every turn. The show is autobiographical in nature, recounting the week leading up to Larson’s 30th birthday. It was originally written as a one-person rock monologue that was later reworked by Script Consultant David Auburn into the three-person musical we know today. You may be familiar with Larson’s work from the Broadway hit RENT, that sadly opened in previews one day after his passing. Larson was subsequently awarded multiple posthumous awards, including three Tony Awards for RENT.
The title character in ‘tick, tick…BOOM!’ - appropriately named Jon - is working as an aspiring composer who has spent years on a musical that doesn’t gain the traction he hoped for. His lack of success leads to him questioning whether or not this is the path he should continue on, meanwhile the people closest to him have questions about their own path in life. Jon’s girlfriend Susan has a passion for dancing and is looking to continue her career in New England, hoping he’ll relocate with her while his best friend Michael already left the world of performing arts for what quickly became a successful career in marketing. This show addresses a dilemma many of us have faced as we’ve approached our 30’s - how do you move forward with your circle when you all have a different “tomorrow” in mind?
The Theatre Three production is brilliantly directed by the multi-talented Jeffrey Sanzel, who is no stranger to the T3 family. Sanzel is widely known as the theater’s resident Ebeneezer Scrooge, having played the role in their annual production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ for well over 1,500 performances.
Off-stage, he is known as the Artistic Director as well as a regular director of Mainstage and Children’s Theater productions. Some of the best moments in this show come from the silence; this show is full of monologues from Jon and the pacing throughout makes every moment feel genuine and real. Of course, I can’t give all of the credit to Sanzel. Robbie Torres delivers a seemingly effortless performance as Jon, impressively nailing each monologue and song. I’ve never seen “tick, tick…BOOM!’ before and I couldn’t be happier that Torres was at the helm of my first experience.
To choose any ONE moment as his best would be unfair to so many others, however I must highlight “Why” as a standout; Torres demonstrates incredible vocal control and his attention to dynamics was on full display.
Photo Credit: www.THEATRETHREE.comHe moved through countless monologues narrating us through this time in Larson’s life with precision, understanding that much can be felt and understood through a quick moment in silence. His chemistry with Veronica Fox (Susan et. al) was undeniable as well, with that being shown during numbers like “Green Green Dress” and “Therapy” where Fox wastes no time in showing us why she is a familiar face in the Long Island Theater scene. She also had the additional task of playing a handful of other characters in this show including Karissa, an actress in a production that Jon is workshopping.
As Karissa, Fox sings “Come to Your Senses” with the capability of a proper, seasoned performer that has you wanting to applaud before she is even finished.
Photo Credit: www.THEATRETHREE.comHer acting should not be overlooked either, as some of this show's funniest moments came to us through her portrayal of Rosa - Jon’s agent. Her comedic timing is absolutely spot on and her character voices are hysterical! I found myself (and the rest of the crowd) laughing out loud on numerous occasions.
Jason Furnari plays Jon’s best friend Michael and a handful of others characters as well to everyone’s delight.
Furnari displays a strong stage presence and his scenes opposite Torres were both genuine and endearing. He delivers a solid performance in company numbers like “See Her Smile” and “Real Life” - with a true standout being “No More” with Torres. Those familiar with RENT will likely find this number to be the most similar to that and won’t be disappointed.
Resident Music Director Jeffrey Hoffman directed the band and lived up to every expectation I’d have for a Theatre Three production and to my delight, appeared on stage! It’s always fun to me to watch them play without having to take my eyes off the stage. From a technical standpoint, I also enjoyed the use of the trap door during the show and seeing smoke come out to emulate steam coming up from city sewer grates. A beautiful touch! During “Sunday” I also noticed Jon wearing an apron from the Moondance Diner which I greatly appreciated. As a huge Friends fan, I recognized it as the diner that Monica briefly worked at - but I knew there had to be more meaning behind it than that; It led me to do some research of my own and I found out that Larson himself worked at that diner and that is a little detail (arguably, not so little though) that only Sanzel would prioritize. Very awesome, if you ask me!
In short (too late, right?!) “tick, tick…BOOM!” is a show that will delight most theater-goers as there is something spectacular for all - whether it be the music, acting, or production quality. I’ve always said Theatre Three never misses and this was no exception.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling the box office or visiting their website. (www.theatrethree.com)
Photo Credit: www.THEATRETHREE.comCast:
Jon - Robbie Torres
Michael et. al - Jason Furnari
Susan Et. Al - Veronica Fox
Band:
Piano/Conductor - Jeffrey Hoffman
Bass - Dave Grudzinski
Guitar - John Dericco
Percussion - Don Larsen
Creative Team:
Director - Jeffrey Sanzel
Music Director - jeffrey hoffman
Stage Manager - Melissa Troxler
Sound Designer - Tim Haggerty
Lighting Designer - Stacey Boggs
Scenic Design - Randall Parsons
Technical Direction - Steven Barile, Jr.
