The local musical theater scene is thriving, and another show is about to explode on the stage. 9 Works Theatrical will be staging the late Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical musical, “Tick, Tick… Boom!”
The musical is set in New York City in the ’90s and tells the story of Jon, an aspiring composer who’s concerned that he’s made the wrong decision in pursuing a career in musical theater.
While workshopping his most recent work (and awaiting the arrival of his thirtieth birthday), he debates between the merits of pursuing a more financially lucrative (yet passionless) career in marketing or keeping true to himself and chasing after his musical theater dreams.
The musical was written and composed by Larson, who rose to fame posthumously for his hit musical, “Rent.” “Tick, Tick… Boom!” explores relatable themes such as aging out of your dreams, pursuing stability, and balancing relationships with goals and priorities in life.
In 2021, the musical was adapted into a film starring Andrew Garfield as Jon. The film was directed by Lin Manuel-Miranda and is streaming on Netflix. Garfield was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance.
9 Works Theatrical is a local theater company that stages both international and locally-made musicals. The company has already staged the show in 2016. Some of their past shows include “Himala,” “Newsies,” “Danny Girl,” “Rent,” “American Idiot,” and “Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!”
The local production will star Jef Flores, Tanya Manalang, Reb Atadero, Kayla Rivera, Vien King, and Khalil Ramos and is set to premier this August.