Tick, Tick … Boom! | Good Time Theatrics

All images: Britainy Heatherington

Tick, Tick… Boom! has been described as ‘Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical love letter to musical theatre,’ and is a glorious snapshot of the challenges faced by a creative who is facing their 30s, and the start of the 1990s. Still to achieve the success he desires, Jonathan (William Kasper) begins to set a few ‘ticking’ deadlines for decisions as to whether to continue pursuing his dream, to follow the girl in the green dress to the suburbs, or to sell out and switch to working in an office. Jonathan begins to realise that it’s not the milestone birthday, nor the workshop showing of his latest project, that is the catalyst that will help him understand what makes him truly happy. But I’m ending the spoilers here; you’ll have to go and see this excellent production if you want to know what Jonathan’s ‘30/90’ decision is…

Following a successful Sydney season at the Old Fitz Theatre, Good Time Theatrics has brought Tick, Tick... Boom! to Brisbane’s fantastic PIP Theatre space. Kurtis Laing (Director and Producer) is to be congratulated on selecting a great cast for the Brisbane show: the excellent Hamish Wells, who successfully played Michael in the Sydney run, is joined by William Kasper (Jonathan) and Nykitta O’Keefe (Susan). I understand there are also three understudies waiting in the wings, who will take to the stage for at least one PIP show (Hamish Wells, Kristin Sparks, and Henry Best).

Top tip for the evening is to make sure you go into the space as soon as possible, as the actors and band are waiting for you, giving the audience the fourth-wall breaking opportunity to hear the relentless ‘ticking’ and to experience the pre-performance chat. And it’s a great way in which to build to the fabulous opening number.

Tick, Tick… Boom! works well in the flexible PIP Theatre mainstage. The music-themed set, where the Jonathan’s piano remains at the centre of the show, is an intimate space for the audience be drawn into the feverish work, worry, and wonder of the young composer (Brigitte Bennet, Set Design); but I could see that this show would also work well in some of Brisbane’s larger performance spaces. Laing makes great use of the space, and simple movements of chairs and actors—together with the use of lighting (Yasmin Elahi, Lighting Designer)—easily transport us to the theatre, flat, and twinkies shop. And I was delighted to see that the actors were moving, and occasionally dancing, across musical staves (Hannah Crowther, Associate Choreographer, with original choreography by Juliette Coleman).

All images: Britainy Heatherington

I am delighted that this show has live music. Hats off to the Band, led by Nate Stevenson (Musical Director and Keys) and including Joel Sanchez-Carn/Dylan Pinti (Guitar), Jess Hobbs (Bass), and Rachael Jory/Marcelle Gunning (Drums). I saw the preview, and was aware of slight improvements to the sound balance for the first few songs of the show, thanks to the excellent work of Peter van Brucken (Sound Designer) and microphone skills of the artists.

As a semi-autobiographical piece of musical theatre, it is unsurprising that the writer was playing with different musical styles, giving the three performers the chance to demonstrate their vocal skills. ‘Green Green Dress’ is a charming duet, showcasing the musical talents of Kasper and O’Keefe, and the audience responded enthusiastically to O’Keefe’s ‘Come to Your Senses. ‘Sugar’ was great fun, thanks to the strong comedic and musical skills of all three performers. And I absolutely loved the high energy ‘No More’ piece featuring Wells and Kasper, and moving ‘Therapy’ duet between Kasper and O’Keefe.  But I could equally have included all three of the closing numbers in my list of favourite songs, thanks to the harmonies of the three artists, and Kasper’s strong work in the leading role.

I am delighted to recommend Tick, Tick … Boom! You don’t have to be a musical theatre aficionado to enjoy this one. Set in the musical theatre world, Tick, Tick … Boom! reminds us all about the highs and lows of working out what we really want from life. Thanks to the hard work of Good Time Theatrics’ cast and creatives, Tick, Tick … Boom! is a funny and enjoyable evening at the theatre. Take your friends, make it a date night choice, or just go alone for an entertaining 90 minutes away from screen time.  

Tick, Tick … Boom! played at PIP Theatre from 11-20 September 2025. 90 minutes, no interval. The reviewer attended the Wednesday 11th September preview (7:00pm).

All images: Britainy Heatherington