Tick, Tick… Boom!

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Script Consultation by David Auburn
Directed by H. Adam Harris
Music Directed by Lex Leigh
Choreographed by Niko Montelibano

Awards and Recognition

  • Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical
  • From the award-winning writer of RENT
  • Award-Winning Auto-biographical Musical

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Executive Producer

Susan Bowman & Freddie Greenfield
Louise & Steven Koch

Executive Season Producer

Bette & Wylie Aitken

Associate Season Producer

The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar


On the Cripe Stage… 

Get ready to experience the electrifying mind behind Rent! Before Jonathan Larson revolutionized Broadway, he was a young man struggling to make his mark. This autobiographical musical, set in 1990, is a raw, humorous, and heartfelt journey of a composer on the brink of turning 30—waiting tables and wondering if he’ll ever write that soaring song that will change everything. His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city, and his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue. Will he give up his dream and sell out just to keep the lights on? Will he lose the love of his life? Scored by music that redefined a genre, Tick, Tick… Boom! takes you on the writer’s journey that led to a Broadway blockbuster. It’s a must-see for anyone who’s ever chased a dream. If you loved Rent, this show will speak to your soul. Don’t miss the chance to experience the genius of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composer Jonathan Larson in a whole new way!

“Tick,Tick…BOOM!” contains mature themes and occasional strong language. Click here for more details.

“As Jon, Luc Clopton sports in winning fashion Larson’s gentle flop of hair and a needy, but self-deprecating nature. There’s hopefulness as well angst in his conveyance.”The Orange County Register

“rest assured that you’ll be getting the absolute best possible introduction to this autobiographical Jonathan Larson gem at the Chance…they don’t get any better than this”StageSceneLA

“The three actors show their mastery in singing, dancing, and acting, delivering a dazzling performance to remember.”Glamgical

“mind-blowing production”The Show Report

“a commendable production that does justice to Larson’s legacy.”Stage Raw

Tick, Tick… Boom! is that rare contemporary Broadway musical that is pretty perfect, especially the Chance Theater production, which is superlative.”Broadway World Los Angeles

“Affordability in a world of rising inflation is increasingly rare, but with local theaters like Chance, being cheap does not have to correlate with a lack of quality. Clopton, Ceja, and Houle harmonize as a synergistic trio that’s as deeply reflective and soulful as any actor could hope to pull off.”UCSD’s The Guardian

“astonishingly talented cast of three”UCI’s New University

“Director H. Adam Harris has crafted an emotionally powerful, yet sadly joyful, and intimate experience that allows each actor to shine.”Fanboy Nation

“Chance Theater conceptualized a refreshing take to a relatively intimate story”SoCal Thrills

“a fluid and immersive experience”Orange Curtain Review


Community Partner


Show artwork designed by KC Wilkerson, kcwdigital.com.


 

Tick, Tick… BOOM! contains mature themes and occasional strong language, including:
  • Mental Health: Scenes depicting anxiety, self-doubt, and existential crisis that explore the pressures of creativity and the passage of time.
  • Death and Illness: References to the impact of the AIDS epidemic and the loss of loved ones, reflecting the era's personal and cultural challenges.
  • Loud Noises: Sudden loud music and sound effects throughout the performance.
  • Strong Language: Occasional use of profanity in dialogue.
  • Drug and Alcohol Use: Mentions of alcohol consumption and recreational drug use as part of the storyline.

Special Events:

  • Community Spotlight

  • Pride Night

  • Wine Night


COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Join us before and after the performance for a happy hour and get to know our community partner, Gay For Good. Schedule is subject to change. Saturday, February 8, 2025 starting at 2:00PM.
  • 2:00 PM - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks. Be sure to meet our Community Partners!
  • 3:00 PM - Tick, Tick... Boom!  begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
  • 4:45 PM - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and our Community Partner.
  • 5:00 PM - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
  • 6:00 PM - Last call! The event comes to an end.

PRIDE NIGHT

Join us for our Pride Night, where theater lovers who share an identity can connect over refreshments and conversation before enjoying a performance. Schedule is subject to change. Saturday, February 8, 2025 starting at 7:00 PM.
  • 7:00 PM - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks.
  • 8:00 PM - Tick, Tick... Boom!  begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
  • 9:45 PM - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and each other.
  • 10:00 PM - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
  • 11:00 PM - Last call! The event comes to an end.
Find more information on Pride Nights HERE.

WINE NIGHT

Back by popular demand, Wine Night features a signature wine for the first 50 patrons in the door. Members and their guests receive priority access. Schedule is subject to change. Friday, February 7, 2025 starting at 7:00PM.
  • 6:45 PM - Check-In Starts
  • 7:00 PM - Wine Night starts. Enjoy free exclusive wines!
  • 7:45 PM - Wine Night ends. Get prepared for the show!
  • 8:00 PM - Show starts, feel free to bring in your cup!

Are you part of a Community Organization? Contact us at shinshin@chancetheater.com for information on special discounts and fundraising opportunities.
 

IN PERFORMANCE

IN REHEARSAL

Articles & Reviews

Read More on the Blog

Audience Buzz

    1. This is my favorite show I’ve seen at Chance so far. All three members of the cast are so talented. I laughed. I cried. I was so impressed.

      — Anonymous
    2. good performances, like musicals

      — Rich Warmolts
    3. Casting was perfect. Love the performance

      — Anonymous
    4. As above…the 3 actors were so believable . The play write was such a basket case I wanted to pinch his head off. Such a patient fiance. Great acting all around

      — Carole Gutyilla
    5. It’s excellent

      — Anonymous
    6. The actors, set, lighting, and sound were all perfect. The intimate nature of the Chance theater was perfect for such an emotional show.

      — Cyndi Hartshorn
    7. The show was so engaging. It was so impressive how much was packed into 90 minutes with only three actors in the cast. I loved it!

      — Anonymous
    8. Cast was terrific and story was excellent, as well as the staging.

      — Jenny Richenburg
    9. The cast was so perfect. I came into this show knowing some of the background, but nothing about the actual show. I enjoyed it from the minute I stepped into the theater. The cast was having so much fun and you could tell and they completely sucked you in the whole time. I laughed, I cried, I felt the anxiety, I felt the pressure, and I hoped for the best for the characters. This is one of the smallest cast shows I’ve seen and the way they transform into the additional characters was so fun! You will forget they’re played by the same person-just with an extra prop or costume!

      — Anonymous
    10. It’s a very nice theater, performance was great, and the people involved with the theater were very nice and welcoming

      — Maria oconnor
    11. Love the intimate venue and friendly staff. Tick Tick Boom was phenomenal!!!

      — Anonymous
    12. I’ve already praised it to friends & family.

      — Susan Jundanian
    13. Tic Tic Boom was a fantastic production with powerful performances and great music! I had tears in my eyes at the end!!! The show was very timely for issues today, with struggling artists / musicians potentially being replaced by AI.

      — Anonymous
    14. The performers were exceptional. The show overall was great

      — Anonymous
    15. All aspects of production were excellent, from acting, music, sound, lighting and temperature of venue. Plenty of parking and easy access.

      — Anonymous
    16. Production was outstanding!

      — Anonymous
    17. Very good acting, good-to-excellent singing, nice sets, comfortable seats, welcoming environment. We didn’t know it was Pride Night when we purchased but we were delighted when we found out.

      — Anonymous
    18. Jonathan Larsons work needs to be experienced. This show help me understand Rent, his most famous work, a little better. I would like to see more non musicals (which are my favorite) on the bigger stage though.

      — Anonymous
    19. Luc Clopton, Lena Ceja, and Mario Houle performed with all their heart and soul and it was palpable. The production allowed the audience to feel and experience the anguish of creativity and the struggle to stay totally dedicated to your work and the need to believe in yourself. This is made all too difficult in a society whose value system is displaced and reward is the BMW and not the amazing experience of music, theater, and art. Yet Tick, Tick, Boom, brought out the empathy of the audience, and a tear of Joy was shed by more than one eye for the joyous call Luc received from Stephen Sodheim. This was a play where you could love and associate with all three characters, their skill in handling several roles, and the chemistry that made this play cohesive, engaging, emotionally challenging, and finally, knowing all along that this was the life of Jonathan Larson who died much too soon.

      — Rob Greenfield, MD
    20. Terrific cast. Love the pay, which you can tickets and I try to catch every performance possible

      — Anonymous
    21. Great show!

      — James Lindsey
    22. Acting was superb, music was beautiful, intimate setting

      — Anonymous
    23. Outstanding performance and very touching discussion afterwards.

      — Donna Judd
    24. Wonderfully talented cast, well directed, with excellent production values. The sound volume could have been reduced a bit.

      — John Murphy
    25. I’m a fan of a one act show and small intimate venues which this hit both points. I also thought all three performers were great. Other than some accompaniment/mic volume adjustments I don’t really have any feedback!

      — Anonymous
    26. The talented cast, the choreography, the staging & music. I was very moved. Coming back to see it again!

      — Anonymous
    27. The production was wonderful and the actors were fantastic. Nothing beats the excitement and intimacy of live theater. Enjoyed it all – – have recommended it to several people

      — Jennifer
    28. This is such an important story to share, both for artists to see a tangible example of their why and why their art matters, and to keep Jonathan Larson’s legacy alive. You have truly delivered this text with so much love and grace, and it is palpable how important it is to this cast and crew. All three actors: YOU ARE INCREDIBLE. You each performed your hearts out and evoked all the emotions. I laughed, cried, held my breath, and wiggled in my seat with your infectiously fun choreography. You should be so proud of what you have created together, what a beautiful tribute to an incredible mind.

      — Jaqui Ramos
    29. Fabulous acting and great delivery of the story. Staff is fantastic from the ticket booth, bartenders and usher

      — Anonymous
    30. For this particular show, the content/theme would be relevant to a lot of my friends (oh the joy of late 20s) and in general just wanting to see more theater that is affordable/accessible. First time at this theater and loved it! I did PWYC and was convinced we’d just be in the far back corner, but ended up in the center of the 2nd row. The show itself was incredible (the signing, acting, comedy, overall performance) and loved the talk afterwards!!

      — Anonymous
    31. It was a fantastic production with top-notch singers and actors. Brilliant performances! Thank you for producing such quality theatre!

      — Todd
    32. The director. I was a student of his and I know if you give him talented, hard working cast he will get the best out of them.

      — Anonymous
    33. I didn’t know what to expect from this show, however, The Chance always puts on stellar productions with outstanding talent. I loved how each of these cast members were able to captivate us and bring us into their reality.

      — Lisa Bill
    34. The acting and singing was great

      — Anonymous
    35. Amazing show. Amazing talent. The show was perfect. The performers were amazing. The talent is amazing. Loved the detail in the sets. Fantastic show.

      — Haley Saffel

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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