What would you give up to chase your dreams? What would you risk for love? With these emotional questions driving the storyline, Sight Lines’ production of tick tick…Boom! expertly conveys the agony of arriving at personal crossroads while retaining the warmth and joy of Jonathan’s Larson’s writing.
tick tick…Boom! follows Larson, playwright and composer of the hit musical Rent, as he handles the ups and downs of the theatre industry while navigating his personal relationships with loved ones. Before Rent, Larson struggled to find his voice and identity as a writer, and Preston Lim is adept at portraying Larson’s earnest yearning for his big break. Endearing and relatable, Lim’s honey-toned voice shines throughout the musical, a feat that requires stamina as he is almost always on stage.
Acting opposite Lim is Vanessa Kee, playing Jonathan’s girlfriend, Susie, who is also looking for success in the arts scene as a dancer. Kee’s embodiment of Susie makes the audience feel for her as she tries to communicate with an avoidant Jon. Kee’s vocals are a standout. She emotes beautifully while singing, immersing the audiences in what Susie is feeling in that moment. Watching Kee onstage, it is easy to get emotionally invested in Susie’s journey and rooting for her success and happiness.
Beatrice Jaymes Phung, who plays a slew of characters as an ensemble member, makes an incredible debut as a musical theatre performer. With a gorgeous tone and memorable stage presence, Phung owns the stage with ease. Phung and Kee’s duet mesmerises audiences – it’s a performance that leaves one hoping to watch the pair perform together again.
Driving home the themes of passion versus pragmatism, fear, mortality and friendship is Alvin Pang’s character, Michael. Pang portrays this complex character with obvious care and dedication. Lim and Pang’s onstage chemistry is palpable, particularly in their performance of “No More”, where the pair dance alongside each other celebrating Michael’s new apartment.
Choreography by Tan Rui Shan and associate choreographer Hafiz Hosni transforms the play into a larger-than-life production. In the song “Sunday”, the cast portray customers at a cafe in a comedic and caricature-ish manner; the big, slow motion movements of the characters bring the humour in the song to life. When Jon and Susie are arguing in “Therapy”, the pair are quite literally dancing around each other, mirroring the breakdown in their communication in a humorous way.
With a small stage for the actors to move around on, set designer Eucien Chia adapts to limited space and creates a stage with three different levels, adding depth and interest. A small area above the main stage is cleverly designed with familiar elements such as a narrow metal staircase and thin railings to depict the rooftop of Jonanthan’s building. Chia’s set design also has the band playing in full view, a unique and fitting touch considering how important rock instrumentals are in delivering Larson’s work.
Although tick, tick…Boom! is set in New York in the 1990s, Sight Lines’ production is relatable to anyone who has ever questioned life’s direction and purpose. With a stellar cast and creative stage designs, the production touches audiences in a deeply profound way, becoming an extension of the legacy Larson left behind.
For more information about upcoming shows by Sight Lines, visit sightlines.com.sg.
Text by Beverly Anne Devakishen.
