BWW Reviews: TICK TICK….BOOM by ATG is Musical Theater Excellence on Hamilton Stage

American Theater Group (ATG), New Jersey's newest professional theater company, is currently producing a blockbuster musical, tick, tick....BOOM! You can see it through Sunday, February 8th on the Hamilton Stage of Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) in Rahway.

ATG has selected a show this season that will resonate with audiences of all ages. It features a multi-talented cast, excellent staging and a stunningly original score. The show enjoys great direction by Igor Goldin and inspired musical direction by Vince di Mura.

tick, tick....BOOM! is written by Jonathan Larson who also wrote the hit musical Rent. In fact, this is an autobiographical musical, Larson's story that he wrote before Rent. Larson's signature flair makes tick, tick...BOOM incredibly entertaining.

Set on "the edge of Soho," the story centers on Jonathan who bemoans his unfulfilled career as a musical composer. He says that he hears ticking and a distant Boom as he approaches his 30th birthday as though time is ticking away. Even with a workshop for his original musical coming up, Jonathan still deals with real insecurity. To complicate matters, his girlfriend Susan is hoping for a very different future with him than simply dating in New York City. And Jonathan's long-time best friend and roommate, Michael has chosen a path of corporate success, one which contrasts sharply with Jonathan's life-style. There is a sense of idealism, tension, and romance to this story, elements that make tick, tick...BOOM! a thoroughly captivating show.

The cast of three, Nicholas Park as Jonathan, Shannon O'Boyle as Susan and Michael Luwoye as Michael, are perfectly cast in their roles with acting talent and vocals that are absolutely superb. And, the versatility of these accomplished actors allows them to play many other characters to round out the story, including Luwoye as Jonathan's father and O'Boyle as his agent.

Musical numbers wonderfully performed will be remembered long after you leave the theater. From the opening number 30/90 by the full cast to beautifully harmonized duets like Therapy by Jonathan and Susan and solo pieces like Why by Jonathan, each and every musical moment compliments the show's plot.

Kudos to the design team that brings the urban world of tick, tick...BOOM! to life with scenic design by Bethanie Wampol, costume design by Stefanie Genda and lighting design by Elaine Wong.

Tell a friend to tell a friend and get your group together to see it. tick, tick...BOOM! is on a limited engagement so reserve your tickets now and experience this hit show.

Performances of tick, tick...BOOM! are through Sunday, February 8th. Tickets are $35, with $20 student and senior tickets with valid ID. Groups of 10 or more receive 10% off. For tickets, visit www.americantheatergroup.org; call (732) 499-8226; or in person at the Union County Performing Arts Center box office located at 1601 Irving Street. Hamilton Stage is convenient by car or public transit with plenty of free on-site parking.

tick, tick...BOOM! is sponsored in part by the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, and is presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International.

Photo Credit: Matt Pilsner