Booked & Scene

Before Rent catapulted Jonathan Larson into musical theatre fame, there was Tick, Tick… Boom! his semi-autobiographical rock monologue about chasing dreams before time runs out. Directed and Choreographed by Ilyse Robbins, the story follows Jon, an aspiring composer in 1990 New York, who’s feeling the weight of turning 30 without having “made it.” As he tries to finish his newest work, he navigates tension with his girlfriend Susan, career changes with his best friend Michael, and the constant, deafening tick of a clock that refuses to slow down.

The Artist at Work 

Johnny Shea as Jon delivers a powerhouse performance that anchors the entire show. Rarely leaving the stage for its hour and forty-five–minute runtime, he manages to carry both the show’s emotional intensity and its humor with ease. Shea captures the restless anxiety of an artist teetering between hope and burnout, and his chemistry with his co-stars keeps the energy pulsing. “Therapy” was a standout, funny, chaotic, and meticulously choreographed, while “Why” landed with heartfelt sincerity and emotion. Shea shines brightest when balancing both vulnerability and drive, making Jon feel like a deeply relatable human.

Success in a Suit 

Anthony Pires Jr. is, as always, exceptional. His performance as Michael radiates confidence, nuance, and heart. He seamlessly slips into the show’s many supporting roles, giving each one clear definition and personality: from Jon’s father to the hilarious cashier in “Sugar.” His portrayal of Michael’s arc hits hard, asking the audience to consider what success really means and how much we’re willing to compromise for it. His quieter scenes with Shea are among the most affecting moments of the night.

Come to Your Senses (and Stay)

Vanessa Calantropo brings warmth and wit to Susan, and she truly soars in “Come to Your Senses.” She strikes a smart balance between grounded moments and sharp comedic timing, her agent character in particular was a highlight, earning genuine laughs throughout the audience. Her chemistry with Shea gives their shared scenes relatability that makes Susan’s frustrations and affection feel real.

Direction in Motion

Ilyse Robbins’ direction and choreography are the heartbeat of this production. Her staging of “Therapy” alone is worth the ticket price — the old-school telephone choreography is brilliantly executed and downright entertaining. Robbins keeps the small cast dynamic, using the space inventively to distinguish scenes and emotional beats. Ben Rush’s lighting also deserves credit for setting that unmistakable 1990s New York tone, helping transport the audience right into Jon’s creative chaos. The cast’s chemistry ties everything together, grounding Larson’s personal story in authentic, heartfelt performances.

Moments That Lost Their Tick 

While the live band injects much-needed energy into the score, at times the volume overpowered the actors, making certain lyrics hard to catch. A smaller gripe: the “Green Green Dress” costume lacking its titular buttons was an odd mismatch for a song that calls them out so specifically. And though the show runs at a steady pace for most of its one-act stretch, a few lulls could benefit from tightening to keep the clock ticking just a bit faster.

That’s the Tick(et) 

Despite those small hiccups, Tick, Tick… Boom! at The Umbrella Stage Company is an inspiring, deeply personal production that captures the messy, beautiful uncertainty of creative life. Robbins’ direction and the cast’s raw commitment make this a standout in The Umbrella’s season. Whether you’re an artist questioning your path or someone simply feeling the tick of time, you’ll leave this show reflecting on what it means to take the leap — before the clock runs out. Tick, Tick… Boom! runs through November 23, 2025.

📸: Jim Sabitus