Tick, Tick...Boom! Sept '25 | Company Of Dramatic

Tick, Tick...Boom! is a high-energy, three-person rock musical about chasing dreams, facing doubt, and finding purpose. A raw, moving story set in 1990s New York, driven by passion and music.

What happens when you’re almost 30, stuck in a dead-end job, and your dream feels further away than ever?

Set in the gritty pulse of 1990s New York, Tick, Tick... Boom! is a powerful, funny and deeply personal rock musical by Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent. With just three performers and a live band, this stripped-back production dives into the chaos of ambition, creativity, and compromise.

Meet Jon, a struggling composer waiting tables while obsessing over the musical that will change his life. His best friend Michael is climbing the corporate ladder with ease, while his girlfriend Susan dreams of a quieter life away from the city. As the pressure mounts, Jon is forced to confront what he's willing to sacrifice—and who he might leave behind—for a shot at success.

Presented by CODA (Company of Dramatic Arts), this fresh staging puts raw storytelling front and centre. With unforgettable songs, biting humour and heartfelt moments, Tick, Tick... Boom! speaks to anyone who’s ever chased a dream and feared it was slipping away.

Don’t miss this intimate and emotionally charged musical that explores what it means to hold onto hope when time feels like it’s running out.

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Working on Tick Tick Boom has been the most unique directing experience I have ever had. This show is both simple, and extremely complex. It is short in length but dense in themes and content. With a cast of only three actors, but a roster of characters that far exceeds that number, nothing about working on Tick Tick Boom has been remotely similar to anything I’ve done before, and that is exactly why I have loved every minute of it.

I don’t think I have ever related more to a piece than I have with this show. The story of the struggling artist, the indecision, heartbreak, sacrifice and pain that comes with it, these are all things I have directly experienced in my own life. Songs such as 30/90 and Johnny Can’t Decide, introduce the audience to these feelings of running out of time, the fear of making the wrong decision, and the constant battle we fight between what we believe we want, and what we believe we need. These feelings aren’t unique to artists, they are all entrenched in the human experience, which has been a key motivator in my direction of this show.

Working with a cast of only three actors, I was aware of the challenge it would be to create and sustain engagement for a full ninety minute performance, however, I quickly realised that with the cast I have, that challenge would be easily overcome. I am truly amazed by the absolute talent and skill these three performers have, and what they have brought to this show has been truly incredible. It has been a pleasure working with three friends who have given everything to ensure this show is at its absolute best, on and off the stage. In addition, the work and skill of our entire crew has been exceptional, and a true pleasure to be a part of.

I would like to thank CODA, for entrusting our team with this project, and for all the help they have given us along the way. Thank you to my parents, siblings and partner for all of your support and help with everything I have needed and then some. Please enjoy our take on this incredible show.

Thank you.

Jacob Macri, Director