As our generation starts to assert its influence in the world with a landmark presidential election, Torn Ticket II revisits the angst and trials of Generation X with its staging of "Tick, Tick... BOOM!" Jonathan Larson's one-man, semi-autobiographical tale of a struggling composer, set in 1990, comes to Tufts as an energetic three-actor production.
Best known for writing and composing "Rent" (1994), Larson wrote "Tick, Tick... BOOM!" while still trying to achieve a breakthrough success. The show follows Jon (played by sophomore Andrew Squier), a rock-musical composer on the brink of his 30th birthday, still searching for his place in the world. He is accompanied by his childhood friend Michael (sophomore Evan Chiacchiaro) and Jon's girlfriend Susan (sophomore Alisa Healy). Both Michael and Susan are entering their adult lives and moving away, while Jon wants to stay in New York and get his new musical off the ground. The musical addresses vital concerns of Jon's generation: growing up, selling out, "slacker" culture and even the AIDS epidemic.
Despite the gap between the current generation and Generation X, there are still many relevant issues in "Tick, Tick... BOOM!" Jon faces a potential future in the corporate world as he weighs his art against his materialism. He must decide whether or not to give up on his dream of living as a composer at the behest of his friends and family.
"This show is relevant to today's college kids," sophomore director Michael Walker said. "It's got so much energy. It feels very hip and with it."
The show is presented with a minimalist stage set-up, with no real set and only a few props. Throughout the show, the cast moves around two small stools and a portable keyboard. Without any distractions, the story centers on Jon's anguished and conflicted emotions.
The songs of "Tick, Tick... BOOM!," like Larson's other works, sound more pop-rock than most Broadway musicals. Many songs contain complex three-part harmonies that are ably handled by the cast. "Johnny Can't Decide" is a stirring trio that narrates Jon's emotional lack of direction. There are also opportunities to rock out, however. "No More," an upbeat and tongue-in-cheek duet between Jon and Michael, even contains an air-guitar interlude.
The actors are accompanied by a pit containing piano, electric guitar, bass guitar and drums. The musicians are directed by senior Kris Coombs.
"It's a fun experience to do a show with a rock band there," Chiacchiaro said. "It's a different feel than more traditional musical theater."
Because the cast is so small, the three actors are challenged to hold up the entire show. Jon often speaks directly to the audience, offering both expository and humorous asides. Squier is on stage in every scene and proves to be a charming leading man.
Though Jon is the central figure, the other cast members are given their chances to shine. Chiacchiaro excels in his rock-flavored ballad "Real Life." Healy, as Karessa (an actress in Jon's musical), later gets the spotlight in the climactic solo "Come to Your Senses." Like Healy, Chiacchiaro also plays secondary characters when they are needed. In one scene, Chiacchiaro is Jon's father and Healy is his agent. Both are versatile actors as well as talented singers.
"It's easier to build a rapport with a smaller group, especially with such a small rehearsal time frame," Chiacchiaro said.
"Everyone's meshed really well," Walker added. "It's a really great show because it's so intimate, which gives it honesty and realism. They're bearing their souls on the stage."
Walker, who transferred to Tufts this year, spoke positively of his first theater experience here. "I'm new, and everyone's been really welcoming," he said.
"Tick, Tick... BOOM!" runs tonight at 8:30 p.m. and tomorrow night at 9:30 p.m. in Barnum 008. No tickets are required and admission is free.
