[Theatre Review] Tick, Tick… Boom! Resonates with Singaporean Audiences

Before he was known for his titular Broadway hit musical, Rent, a young Jonathan Larson wrote Tick,Tick… Boom!.

Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical rock musical Tick, Tick… Boom! explores the pressures of achieving success before turning 30. This theme should resonate timelessly with the Singapore audience, due to the high pressure society we live in and the constant need to excel in everything.

Preston Lim debuts as Jon, a young composer approaching his 30th birthday and feeling the weight of his unfulfilled dreams while his friends excel in their careers. The opening number “30/90” captures Jon’s anxieties, mirroring the common fears of many Singaporeans about meeting societal expectations. It resonates even for me, an 40-ish “uncle” who still feels time is running out to achieve greatness in life before my next age milestone. For my son, Asher, who watched the musical with me, this would be to excel in his secondary one examinations and physical fitness tests this year. The theme is universal and we can easily identify with Larson’s writing, despite the show’s setting in New York City and our difference in ages.

This production, staged by Sight Lines Entertainment, is the first professional staging by a Singaporean company since 2006. Lim, in his debut as a lead actor, performs alongside Vanessa Kee (Susan) and Ryan Ang (Michael). Their chemistry is evident, especially in the song “No More,” which highlights the close friendship between Jon and Michael. *Spoiler* Ang delivered a commendable performance as the gay Michael, eschewing stereotypes of gay characters, but instead, dropping subtle hints through small body language, before delivering the plot twist.

It must be tiring for Lim to sing most of the numbers, but he delivers well with his boundless energy and infectious boyish smile, switching effortlessly from cheery to broody.

Choreographed by Tan Rui Shan, who is currently acting in the lead role of Toy Factory Productions’ Titoudao, the cast’s movements are well-coordinated and make full use of Eucien Chia’s versatile set design, transforming the stage into various New York City locations. I have never been to New York City, but from what I see on television from sitcoms during that period, the set looks exactly like one of those New York apartments.

Ensemble cast members Beatrice Jaymes Pung and Eric Larrea add depth to the performance. Pung, in particular, shines in her multiple roles, including Jon’s agent Rosa Stevens and actress Karessa Johnson, switching accents and costumes seamlessly. Her strong vocals and versatile portrayals make her a standout in the production even though this is her debut performance like Lim.

While Tick, Tick… Boom! is less well-known than Larson’s Rent, its intimate portrayal of adulthood struggles and self-discovery should be able to strike a chord with the Singapore audience and the fresh-faced cast put forth by Sight Lines delivers youthful energy and vibrancy. This is just the musical to watch if you are feeling a little lost in life or feeling a sense of aimlessness.

Tick, Tick… Boom!

Venue: KC Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road

Dates: Till July 14; 8pm (Tuesday to Friday), 3pm and 8pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Admission: From $50

Tickets are available online via SISTIC

Win a return ticket to New York City on Singapore Airlines when you watch Tick, Tick… Boom!