Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-Winning Composer Jonathan Larson’s Semi-Autobiographical Musical Comes to Life on Stage
By: MaryAnn DiPietro
With his 30th birthday fast approaching, Jon, an aspiring composer in New York City, stands on the edge of doubt and determination. His life is a swirl of waiting tables, unfulfilled artistic dreams, and the relentless ticking of time. “Tick, Tick… Boom!” is Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical musical, and the Chance Theater in Anaheim is preparing to launch a bold new production under the direction of H. Adam Harris.
“This story resonates with anyone who has ever questioned the path they’ve chosen,” Harris explains. “Jon’s journey is one of relentless hope—of creating something meaningful in a world that often measures success by milestones.” Speaking of milestones, this is the first musical Harris, a Detroit native, has ever directed.
This three-person show offers a glimpse into Jonathan Larons’s work before “Rent,” the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical for which he is best known. “Tick, Tick…Boom!” was first performed by Larson as a solo piece in 1990 and was later reimagined by playwright David Auburn as a trio piece after Larson’s untimely death in 1996. Auburn’s version debuted off-Broadway in 2001 and has since become a favorite for audiences and performers alike.
Harris, whose artistic career has spanned both acting and directing, found himself drawn to the material’s raw honesty. “There’s something about the way Larson’s work captures the simultaneous despair and joy of creating,” he said. “It’s a light in the darkness, both for the individual and for the audience.”
Harris began his career as an actor and later transitioned to directing after the profound mentorship he received at the University of Minnesota. He still has the acting bug when given the chance and has a love for work that is imaginative, rigorous, and moving. “This show is all of that,” he says.
There was also a 2021 film adaptation of “Tick, Tick…Boom!” directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield. Harris admits he has yet to see it. “ I may watch it when we are in tech and everything is already set for our production. I want to dig into the text and lyrics and center around the character’s truth and journey. This production will be representative to what our unique group of people bring to the table. Every production is a reflection of the people in the room,” he said. “Our version will be honest, grounded, and uniquely our own.”
“The collaborative nature of this project has been thrilling,” Harris shares. “Working with music director Lex Leigh and choreographer Niko Montelibano, has brought layers of richness to the storytelling. Their expertise elevates the production and working with them is transformative.” He adds, “Theatre is a team sport. From our stage manager, who is an essential part of this process, to our assistant directors from Chapman University, everyone’s contributions are invaluable. The Chance Theater has welcomed me into their home, and I’m honored to tell this story here.”
As much as Harris enjoys working with the production team, he also enjoys working with the cast, who were carefully selected to embody the show’s emotional and vocal demands. “Finding the right balance in a three-person musical was a challenge,” Harris admits. “But the dedication these performers bring is extraordinary. They arrived at our first musical rehearsal completely prepared, and they’ve continued to exceed expectations.”
Among the musical’s highlights, Harris points to two pivotal numbers: ‘Come to Your Senses’ and ‘Louder Than Words.’ The former provides a wake-up call both within the narrative and to the audience. “It’s an anthem of possibility,” Harris said. “It reminds us to care for one another and pursue what’s meaningful.”
‘Louder Than Words’, the show’s closing number, also resonates deeply with Harris, challenging audiences to confront their own choices. “It’s a call to action,” Harris explains. “Larson’s work often asks us to live more fully and connect more deeply, and this song captures that beautifully.”
Harris hopes audiences leave the Chance Theater not only entertained but also moved by the power of art to illuminate life’s complexities.“Above all,” he says, “I want people to have a good time at the theatre. This is a stunning story, performed by artists who embody the dreams Jonathan Larson wrote about. They’re commuting hours to be here, pouring their hearts into this work. That spirit is what makes this production so special.”
MaryAnn DiPietro is an actor, singer, pianist, music director, and writer.
“Tick, Tick…Boom!”
Chance Theater
Bette Aitken Theatre Arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA
January 24 - February 23, 2025
(888) 455-4212, www.ChanceTheater.com