CMU School of Drama


Friday, November 12, 2021

Review Roundup: TICK, TICK...BOOM! Premieres at AFI Fest; What Are the Critics Saying?

www.broadwayworld.com : Andrew Garfield plays Jon, a young theater composer who's waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he's due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan (Alexandra Shipp), who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael (Robin de Jesús), who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. With the clock ticking, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have?

2 comments:

Sidney R. said...

The reviews for "Tick Tick…BOOM!" seem pretty mixed, even for a Broadway World article. Part of this I feel is due to the actual script. Now I really like a lot of Jonathan Larson's work (I started listening to "Rent" way earlier than I probably should have), but this piece is just not my favorite. I saw it about eight years ago at a small theatre in my hometown. Like many of the reviews, they explain that ending is disappointing and even sad as he never gets to experience his opening night, or any sort of "It was all worth it" sentiment. And while I will admit I love a happy ending, I see the value in an honest one too. Maybe I'm leaning against it because the complaints feel true and valid, and the monotony and restlessness of life is so clearly presented to us. Regardless, I'm probably going to watch it (with my parents who love Larson's work), and come to a more solid conclusion.

Kaylie C. said...

Overall, the reviews seem to praise Lin Manuel Miranda’s direction of the material, but I am seeing little praise for the material itself. Of course, this is an adaptation so I would except special attention to be paid to the direction, but it seems critics were not very moved by the story itself. It also appears that critics are generally supportive of Andrew Garfield’s portrayal and of his signing abilities. I am excited to see this when it hits Netflix on Friday. I have listened to most of the music from the show before, but have never seen it myself. I am glad Lin Manuel Miranda seems to have been successful for his directorial debut, although I am concerned, as some critics are, that the show will be snubbed of attention overall. The Prom did not do all that well, and this musical is significantly less well known, although its possible more people will recognize Johnathan Larson for his work on Rent.