Set in the early 1990s, tick, tick... BOOM! is the story of Jon, a struggling musical composer, who has yet to make his mark on Broadway and questions the life decisions he has made. His girlfriend, Susan, a dancer, who teaches ballet to “wealthy and untalented children” suggests leaving New York to raise a family while pursuing a different career. His best friend, Michael, is a marketing research executive, who was once an aspiring actor. Michael suggests that Jon should come work with him at his firm and lead a more secure and stable life.