The Cape Playhouse launches its 97th summer season with the late Jonathan Larson's semi-autobiographical musical tick, tick…BOOM! beginning June 5, helmed by new Artistic Director Eric Rosen. Performances will continue at the Massachusetts venue through June 15.
Starring are Andy Mientus (Spring Awakening) as Jonathan, Larry Owens (A Strange Loop) as Michael, and Krystina Alabado (Mean Girls) as Susan. Mientus and Alabado both starred in this production's 2023 staging at Bucks County Playhouse, alongside now-Broadway The Great Gatsby star Noah J. Ricketts.
The musical follows the young composer during a milestone birthday in 1990, through his theatrical ambitions and his relationships and friendships against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic. The work started life as a “rock monologue” that Larson, best known for his Broadway musical Rent, performed as a solo show. Five years after his 1996 death, the work was adapted into a three-character musical, with David Auburn filling in as a script consultant. That version has since played Off-Broadway, in London, and at theatres around the world. Lin-Manuel Miranda directed a 2021 film adaptation for Netflix starring Andrew Garfield.
The Cape Playhouse production features choreography by Paul McGill, musical direction by Andy Roninson, scenic design by Jack Magaw, costume design by Devario Simmons, lighting design by Paul Miller, sound design by Jeff Sherwood, video design by Stivo Arnoczy, and production stage management by Peter Wolf.
“I fell in love with Larson’s show because it speaks to the hunger and passion I felt in the beginning of my career,” said Rosen in an earlier statement. “The show was a huge hit with audiences and critics at the Bucks County Playhouse, and as soon as I knew I’d be coming to the Cape Playhouse, I invited Andy Mientus and Krystina Alabado and the whole creative team to take another step on this journey. Two new members of our production, the wonderful actor Larry Owens and the esteemed music director Andy Roninson, have their own special connection to this show—each is a recipient of the prestigious Jonathan Larson Award, a prestigious prize which recognizes the spark of talent in emerging artists. It’s fitting and beautiful to have them join our company as we celebrate Larson’s history and legacy in this show.”
The Playhouse's summer season will also include Million Dollar Quartet (June 19-July 6), directed by Hunter Foster; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (July 10-August 3), directed and choreographed by Joyce Chittick and David Ruttura; Waitress (August 7-24), directed by Rosen; and The 39 Steps (August 28-September 7), directed by Kimberly Senior.
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