Review: TICK, TICK... BOOM! - Simply a Mind-Blowing WOW!!!

TICK, TICK... BOOM!/by Jonathan Larson/directed by Rebecca Kenigsberg/Hudson Backstage Theatre/thru April 3, 2016

After Hours Theatre has produced a kick-ass production of Jonathan Larson's TICK, TICK... BOOM!. Rebecca Kenigsberg astutely directs her ultra-talented cast of three at a quick, proficient pace wringing out all possible laughs and pathos out of Larson's autobiographical piece. Any theatre lover with an affinity to Larson's RENT will thoroughly enjoy the gone-too-soon skills of Larson's sharp lyrics complementing a book full of sympathetic, realistic characters and tunes you could hum out of the theatre. Within years after Larson's early death, playwright David Auburn adapted TICK, TICK... BOOM!, Larson's original one-man show into a three-actor one-act.

Jon, a promising young playwright/waiter, struggles with reaching his thirtieth birthday milestone without being a success in his theatrical vocation. His best friend since high school, Michael, has already 'grown up' having taken a real job earning him enough money to buy a brand-new BMW and lots of Gucci belts. Michael even refers a job opening at his advertising firm for Jon.

Jon's dancer girlfriend Susan (who makes a living teaching dancing) wants Jon to get serious with a money-making career and move out of New York City with her. Before Jon can make the decision to take a real job or settle down with Susan, a workshop production of his first musical SUPURBIA will take place days before his 30th.

The vocally gifted Nick Bredosky charismatically embodies Jon, effortlessly communicating Jon's re-occurring self-doubts, disturbing insecurities and infectious joys of life. Bredosky's wonderful vocals become quite evident in the opening "30/90."So easy to feel Jon's every smidgen of pain, disappointment or elation.

Shelley Regner not only sings (and acts) the hell out of all Susan's numbers, Regner also successfully tackles a number of other supporting comedic roles. Bredosky and Regner emit much chemistry, especially in their flirty duet "Green Green Dress." Their dueling duet "Therapy" vividly showcases their focused overlapping of contrasting lyrics and melodies. Nice!

Harrison Meloeny adeptly endows Jon's BFF Michael with the sensitivity of a loyal friend, the sensibility of a successful businessman and the ambiguity of one hiding an critical secret. Meloeny contributes his vocal talents to the gorgeous three-part harmonies of "Johnny Can't Decide" and takes center stage with his heart-wringing solo in "Real Life."

Jhanna Truskin appropriately dresses the dividing panels on stage with her various graffiti art. Kudos to Stephen Oremus for his vocal arrangements and rocking orchestrations. The cooking musicians, led by musical director Elmo Zapp on bass, include Andrew Orbison on keys, May Wagner on guitar, Austin framer on drums and Morgan Paros on violin.

The numerous battles between the band's volume (especially the drums) and the three singers (thankfully miked) might have been prevented with a dampening wall around the drum set. TICK, TICK... BOOM!'s supposed to be a revolutionary rock musical, but what a waste if you can't hear/understand the genius of Larson's lyrics. One should be cheering Regner for her melodic use of her strong pipes, not for her possessing loud vocal chords.

Hear Larson's brilliance in his cleverly composed homage to Stephen Sondheim's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE in "Sunday." See the hysterical physical comedy teamwork of Meloeny, Regner and Bredosky performing this number.

Left theatre with head exploded from much laughing, frequent crying and lots of hands applauding!!! Do try to see this before their short run ends.

www.plays411.net/ticktickboom

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