CODA: Tick Tick… Boom! - Review by Matt Dorahy

Tick Tick…Boom, originally created as a solo work, tells the story of an aspiring composer named Jon, (Jonathan Larson) the Broadway writer who penned one of the most iconic and beloved Broadway shows of all time: Rent. The story details his eight-year crusade to complete his new musical Superbia and the sacrifices that come with dedicating your life to your work. After his passing the musical was adapted into a 3 person work, penned under the same name.

The heart of Director Jacob Macri’s vision was on full display in the Flight Path Theatre, which could not have been easy considering I’m aware they were set to open in a different venue. Though in minimal time their staging was adapted to a new space and utilised well at that. Notably, making creative use of the underpass under the seating bank where spare chairs are usually stored.

Lachlan Ceravolo as Jon, a beautifully crafted portrayal to pay tribute to Jonathon Larson. While taking on a mammoth of a role, Lachlan also played Keys live which brought us the most authentic vulnerability of the night during the song ‘…Why’.

As usual, Jordan Berry created some moments of magic within the show, Jordan was the driving force behind this piece. I particularly was looking forward to the show stopping number ‘Come To Your Senses’ which to no one’s surprise, she sung beautifully.

Myles Burgin as Michael brought some A class comedic humour to a heavily emotional piece, which created a large well earnt dynamic shift when Myles delivered the most emotionally heavy and heartfelt moment in the show.

In a show that heavily relies on the versatility of the performers and the multitudes of roles they play, I only found one minor flaw. The addition of 2 stage crew, while they did a fantastic job setting each scene, I would have loved to see these dynamics created by Jordan and Myles to highlight Lachlan’s storytelling. One poignant moment where this was clear was during the song ‘Sunday’, Lachlan was moved forward on a rolling set piece creating a beautiful tableau, however the extra 2 people in the space created a disconnect whereas if the cast supported Lachlan in rolling the platform it would have felt as if they were joining Jonathon in his tribute to Sondheim giving this moment a higher purpose.

The live band featuring David Lang on Keys, Bien Javier on Bass, Oliver Naglost on Drums and Williams Hunt on Guitar, were situated on stage. Though this limited the casts space on the stage, it seemed to be the perfect choice for the show as each and every band member had a part in the most iconic moment of the night as they all appeared as board members in a brainstorming session for a cooking fat substitute. Not to mention, they sounded stunning and the levels were mixed beautifully, to which I assume was done by Technical Director Grant Brennan. Lighting by Gaby Whalland, was used extremely well to guide us through the many locations with an almost completely static set.

With Choreography by Jordan and Music Direction by Lachlan, you’d think that their focus would have had a noticeable shift on their roles in the cast, but they both ensued their departments were extremely well cared for. Harmonies were extremely tight and Chorey was fun and executed well!

Tick Tick…Boom! is a show that I hold very close to my heart and I am sure many others feel the same and it is safe to say that CODA did it the justice it deserves.