tick, tick…BOOM!
28 – 30 October 2021
Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich
Having produced and curated over 50 theatre works across Southeast Queensland in the past ten years, independent theatre makers THAT Production Company will mark recent celebrations with a return of the popular production, tick, tick… BOOM!, performed at the Ipswich Civic Centre for a limited season.
With Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson, tick, tick… BOOM! centres on a universal concept of holding on to your dreams despite life’s toughest obstacles. The narrative follows a young composer on the verge of oblivion as he approaches the age of 30. Jon’s girlfriend wants to get married and leave the city, and his closest buddy is making big money on Madison Avenue, but Jon is stuck waiting tables and still trying to compose the next great American musical.
Directed by Timothy Wynn, with Musical Direction by Luke Volker, this production of Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical will see new and returning faces in the leading roles. Joining the cast as Jon is Chris White, whose previous acting credits include Harvest Rain Theatre Company’s We Will Rock You: The Arena Experience, Simon in Packemin Productions’ Jesus Christ Superstar, and Roger in Brisbane Powerhouse’s production of RENT. In the role of Michael, Josh Whitten (We Will Rock You: The Arena Experience, The Wizard of Oz Arena Spectacular) returns, and Stephanie Long (Becoming Bill, Edges – A Song Cycle) re-joins as Susan. Newcomer Henry Kafoa (Once On This Island, Yank! A WWII Love Story) rounds out the cast as Swing.
Creative Producer Cassandra Ramsay spoke about the opportunities created for many emerging and established artists by THAT Production Company throughout the years. “We do our best to carry on with an open-door philosophy in our practice,” she said. “We’ve been an early stepping stone for young people who have either gone on to pursue a career in the industry; as well as those who haven’t pursued a career but still engage with the arts as patrons and ambassadors – both these outcomes are rewarding.”
Having previously debuted in March 2020, and only days before the pandemic closed theatres globally, THAT Production Company’s tick, tick… BOOM! is an apt choice to return to the stage as part of their next chapter in theatre making, kickstarting the next decade of creative endeavours. Despite themes of self-doubt and fears of failure, the show also centres on self-determination and following your dreams, encouraging audiences to find what they love and follow their passions.
THAT Production Company Artistic Director, Timothy Wynn, believes that this musical is perfectly timed for artists and audiences across the community. “This particular show deals directly with a question all artists have been asking themselves over the last 18 months,” he said. “Why do we keep doing this? Why do we persist with our artistic lives against overwhelming odds? tick, tick… BOOM! answers that and gives us the encouragement we need to hear right now.”
Click here to read an interview with Josh Whitten, who will play Michael
For ticketing and further information, visit THAT Production Company’s website
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