TICK TICK BOOM

Writer & Composer: Jonathon Larson

Starring: Jonty Climo, Hannah Doherty, Bailey Lindsey

Choreographer: Alexis Holmes

Musical Director: Dr Nick Braae

Director: Courteney Mayall

Producer: Shmall Productions

The Meteor, 2-5 April 2025

Tick, tick... BOOM! was first performed by writer Jonathon Larson in 1992. Loosely based on Larson’s own creative struggles, the show started as a rock monologue, morphed into off-Broadway and West End productions, and was most recently adapted into film (direction by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield) released by Netflix in late 2021. If the name Jonathon Larson sounds familiar, he wrote the musical Rent. In a cruel twist of fate, Larson passed away early on the morning of the first preview performance of Rent. He posthumously received three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.  

It's 1990 in New York, and waiter Jon (Jonty Climo) is attempting to write the great American musical. His girlfriend Susan (Hannah Doherty) wants to move to New England, and his best friend Michael (Bailey Lindsey) is raking in the dough.  

Lindsey Bailey, Jonty Climo, and Hannah Doherty

Climo was the only actor with a single role narrating throughout. He was magnificent in all aspects – vocals, acting and movement. Climo keeps raising the benchmark on his musical theatre achievements. This might be his best yet.

Doherty is a super reliable performer, and she took on all her roles with poise. Her performance of “Come To Your Senses” showcased her superb voice and ability to capture and hold the audience breathless. Doherty also managed a classic New Jersey accent and had fun with her characters.

Lindsey can turn on a dime instantaneously switching from one persona to another. As Michael, he was self-assured and confident. His portrayals of Jon’s father and the server in the bodega were hilarious.

On keys, Dr Nick Braae lead the four-piece band of Joe McNamara (guitar), Tony Sisam (bass), and Damon Taylder (drums). These guys rock and got several moments in the spotlight including dialogue. Set on a riser across the back of the stage, they were dynamic and entertaining. Tony - the tone of your bass was exquisite.

The choreography of Alexis Holmes was exceptionally well-rehearsed. The cast moved effortlessly across the set, and in particular Climo’s energy was infectious. Tick, tick... BOOM! is a production that does not require vast choreographed numbers, rather it relies on shapes, comedy and nuances. Holmes achieved that in her inaugural Meteor production.   

Triple threat, no quadruple, no quintuple (probably more) threat Courteney Mayall took on multiple facets including directing, lighting design (with Guy Coker), production design and set painting. Her pared back approach to props on a Mondrian-inspired multi-level set that took up the full width and height of the staging area was genius. With a couple of chairs, a keyboard and a moveable table, the actors were able to concoct various vignettes. In all aspects, Mayall’s production was perfectly refined. A shoutout for the sound effects too. Very clever!

Tick, tick... BOOM! is a throwback to 1990s New York. It is peppered with classic one-liners and toe-tapping songs. Shmall Productions version is slick and quick (just ninety minutes start to finish). I encourage you to support this innovative and fairly new theatre company. Fair warning, the Friday night show is sold out. However, there are two performances (6pm and 8:30pm) on Saturday. Hurry, time is marching on.

Photos: Shmall Productions

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