PRiMA Theatre Brings TICK, TICK...BOOM! to Lancaster

Before Rent, there was Tick, Tick...Boom!. This autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composer of Rent, is the story of a composer and the sacrifices that he made to achieve his big break in theatre. Containing fourteen songs, ten characters, three actors and a band, Tick, Tick... Boom! takes you on the playwright/composer's journey that led to a Broadway blockbuster.

His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city, his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue and, yet, Jon is still waiting on tables and trying to write the great American musical. Set in 1990, this compelling story of personal discovery is presented as a rock musical filled with instantly appealing melodies and a unique blend of musical theatre styles.

This endearing and thoughtful piece embraces the universal ideal of holding onto your dreams through life's most difficult challenges. Tick, Tick... Boom! features a three-person cast that requires strong pop/rock singers and nuanced acting abilities.

Tick, Tick...Boom! will be PRiMA Theatre's first production featuring primarily Actor's Equity Association, union performers. The cast will be directed by Vanessa Hofer, choreographed by Kristin Pontz, and music directed by Adam Rineer. The cast consists of Mitch Nugent (Jonathan), Randy Jeter (Michael), and Jessica Day (Susan).

"This should be fun! Working alongside such a skilled team is a big win." says Mitch Nugent. He worked professionally as a musical theatre performer for over five years before founding PRiMA in 2010. Since then he has spent much of his time behind-the-scenes. As Executive Producer of the organization, significant staff preparations have been required to assure for successful operations amidst the production process. "In addition to being a passionate arts administrator, Mitch is a fantastic performer and singer. It's an exciting rarity to see him work his craft on stage." says Sheri Riley, member of PRiMA's Board of Directors. "I'm proud of the staff and their surrounding teams as they situate the circumstances for a successful and energizing time for PRiMA."

As co-founder of PRiMA, this production marks a rare return to the stage for Mitch. Mitch is at the helm of PRiMA's strategic and creative direction, having been recognized for his innovative leadership by Fig, Susquehanna Style, Harrisburg and Connections Magazines. In addition to PRiMA, Mitch does public speaking and consulting in the areas of special events management, brand experience, and organizational leadership. Additionally, Mitch works for LCBC as a Producer of their weekend gatherings, as well as serving on the City of Lancaster's Public Arts Advisory Board. Mitch has directed numerous PRiMA productions including Chess, Songs For A New World, Oz In Concert, and Defying Gravity with Stephen Schwartz. Past on-stage roles at various companies include Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, Jesus in Godspell, and Jamie in The Last Five Years.

A native of Washington DC, Randy Jeter received his training in Musical Theater and Classical Voice from Manhattan School of Music. He recently had the opportunity to portray the role of Eddie Souther in Sister Act with The Fulton Theatre; one of his favorite roles to date. He was also seen as Father in Children of Eden with PRiMA Theatre. Randy has spent the last 3 seasons performing as a soloist at American Music Theatre. He has been a part of several New York workshops. One of his favorites was with Three Mo Tenors, working alongside director Marion J. Caffey. He was also seen at The Public Theater in New York City in Parable of the Sower. Randy's upcoming role will be playing Adrian in Smokey Joe's Cafe at The Palace Theatre in New Hampshire.

Jessica Dey is overjoyed to be making her PRiMA debut. She was most recently seen locally at the Fulton Theatre in Sister Act and in Legally Blonde as Enid Hoopes. Favorite credits include Meg Brockie in Brigadoon, Ado Annie in Oklahoma!, and Florinda in Into the Woods. Jessica is a B.F.A. musical theater graduate of Penn State University. She is a private voice teacher and co-owner of the Lancaster performing arts studio, Creative Pursuits.

Tickets are available by subscribing to the 2017 season at www.primatheatre.org/2017 or by calling the box office at 717.327.5124. Individual ticket sales will be released near the beginning of February.

Tick, Tick...Boom! by Jonathan Larson

• March 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 2017 | 7:30pm
• Trust Performing Arts Center Black Box Theater
• 37 North Market Street, Lancaster City

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