Theatre Palisades Brings ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ to Pierson Playhouse Stage

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Theatre Palisades’ next show, “tick, tick… BOOM!” will begin its Pierson Playhouse run on Friday evening, September 6.

The musical was penned by Jonathan Larson, who also wrote “Rent” before his death at the age of 35 in 1996.

“Before the revolutionary rock musical ‘Rent,’ Jonathan Larson had another story to tell … his own,” read a synopsis provided by Theatre Palisades. “‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ is a three-chapter pop rock musical about facing the crossroads in life and holding on to your dreams that was first produced Off-Broadway in 2001.”

The semi-autobiographical musical follows the story of Jon, an aspiring composer approaching his 30th birthday who lives in New York City, set in 1990. He, like the author, is questioning his career choice in the world of performing arts.

“His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city (tick),” the synopsis continued. “His best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue (tick), and he’s still waiting tables and trying to write the great American musical before time—and life—passes him by (Boom!).”

A film adaption, which was directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, starred Andrew Garfield and was released on Netflix in November 2021.

The Theatre Palisades show is directed by Lindsey Johnson, with Alexander Tovar as musical director. Martha Hunter and Laura Goldstein are the producers.

The cast includes Destin Bass (Jon), Anthony Galang (Michael), Bimei Flores (Susan), Charlotte Nevins (Karessa and Female #1), Katherine Rogers (Female #2) and Ian Riegler (Male #1).

Performances will run September 6 through October 13, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., as well as Sundays at 2 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road.

Tickets, which are now available for purchase, are $27 for general admission, and $25 for seniors and students.

At the time of the annual Theatre Palisades Awards Show on Sunday, August 11, Theatre Palisades President Phil Bartolf reported that one Sunday matinee performance of “tick, tick… BOOM!” had sold out.

Those who attended the show also saw a preview of two musical numbers from “tick, tick… BOOM!” including the song, “Green Green Dress.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrepalisades.org or call 310-454-1970.