Tick, tick... BOOM! (theatre)

"Fear or love, baby, don't say the answer Actions speak louder than words"

- "Louder Than Words"

tick, tick... BOOM! is a musical with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson. The work was partly autobiographical, although it was not produced until after Larson's death in 1996. The show is also partily a tribute to Larson's idol, Stephen Sondheim, with its plot driven similarly to Company. One song, "Sunday", is an update of a song of the same name from Sunday in The Park With George.

The show's main character is Jon, a struggling composer about to celebrate his 30th birthday. His best friend Michael, a successful businessman, encourages Jon to pursue a more stable, better-paying career. Jon's girlfriend Susan, a dancer working as a ballet instructor, is ready to settle down and start a family. In the middle of trying to get his own musical produced, Jon has to decide what he really wants to do with his life.

In 2021, Netflix released a film adaptation of the musical, with Lin-Manuel Miranda directing. Andrew Garfield plays Jonathan Larson, aspiring composer and waiter, Alexandra Shipp is Susan, while Bradley Whitford plays Stephen Sondheim.

Not to be confused with the 2007 song of the same name by The Hives.


 * Cut Song: "Boho Days", "Play Game," and "Swimming" were cut from the play. They're restored in the film.
 * Heroic BSOD: Jon's play Superbia doesn't get the greenlight, his girlfriend is furious with him, and his best friend is hiding a big secret.
 * Homage: The show is a giant one to Stephen Sondheim.
 * "I Am" Song / "I Want" Song: "Why", which comes very late in the story.
 * "I Want" Song: "Johnny Can't Decide"
 * Mundane Luxury: For Jon who's on a waiter's salary, and Michael who is moving up from a broke actor to a business executive, they admire the new apartment Michael is able to get on his higher income. A dishwasher makes them wax poetic.
 * Reclusive Artist: Jon
 * Shout-Out: to West Side Story and Mary Poppins in "Why"
 * Show Within a Show: Jon's musical, SUPERBIA
 * Tear Jerker: "Why". If you aren't crying from the beginning, when, you'll be crying by the end of the song.
 * Jonathan finally playing "Happy Birthday" at the end.