By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds
TICK, TICK…BOOM! presented by The Carnegie through July 28th. I attended the Opening Saturday performance.
The cast of tick, tick…BOOM! presented by The Carnegie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
It may come as a surprise to some, but I had never seen Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick…BOOM! before seeing the Carnegie’s current production. Fortunately for me, Director & Choreographer Lindsey Augusta Mercer along with Music Director Matthew Umphreys have graced us with an excellent iteration of the show which walked so Rent could run. Set in 1990, it tells the story of Jon, an aspiring NYC composer who is questioning his career choice of being part of the performing arts as his 30th birthday looms.
Mx. Mercer’s physical direction can all be filed under choreography as it is artistically seamless and purposeful. The show moves non-stop and musical numbers oscillate between feeling like ??? and intimate solo moments as appropriate. Mr. Umphreys has nailed a perfect symmetry of harmonies between his cast members – and every word is heard and understood even as some lyrics overlap. Under their direction, this cast of three is unstoppable. Shout-out once again to the creativity of Scenic Designer Tyler Gabbard for an unconventional and functional set. The way he layers his sets is *chef’s kiss*.
While the trio of performing artists make a very strong ensemble, there is certainly a stand-out performance to praise: Patrick Earl Phillips as Jon. Is there nothing Mr. Phillips can NOT do? His acting is supreme, his vocals impressive, his talent as a musician is enviable, and his physicality is unmatched. (One might guess running around after three daughters might assist with his endurance.) As an audience, you will be there on this journey with him from start to finish.
Not to be brushed under the rug are strong performances by JT Langlas as Michael (and Others) and Annika Jonker as Susan (and Others). Both are strong, thoughtful actors with vocal chops most would covet. Both Mr. Langlas and Ms. Jonker make smart, definitive choices in their “Others” roles while still maintaining consistency in their “primary” characters. Even better: the chemistry between the trio is absolute magic.
If you, like me, have never seen this classic Larson musical – or even if you have – I highly recommend trying to catch one of the last three performances scheduled at The Carnegie. Clocking in at just under 100 mins with no intermission, it is a lovely and energetic time at the theatre.
Click here for more information about the production.
WITCH
Jen Silverman’s dark comedy comes to life at The Carnegie this November in partnership with the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music – CCM. The cast features CCM Acting students alongside faculty member Samuel Stricklen.
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