Tick. Tick. Tick.
Have you ever felt like there was a ticking clock inside of you, urging you to speed up your life or that it was time to give up on your aspirations? That's the relatable premise behind Capital City Production's upcoming musical production, "Tick, Tick Boom!"
Part of CCP's Spotz on the Artists series, "Tick, Tick Boom!" is set for 7:30 p.m. May 13-15 and 1 p.m. May 15 at 719 Wicker Lane.
"Tick, Tick Boom!" is an autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, composer of Broadway musical "RENT." The production follows Jon as he tries to achieve his big break on Broadway, but time is ticking as he approaches his 30th birthday and his girlfriend and best friend pressure him to give up on his dream.
"So, that's where the name 'Tick Tick Boom!' comes in," Director Mike Azar said. "It's like the ticking of a clock and sounds of time running out for him to decide whether to stick with writing musicals or kind of grow up and move away from New York and get a regular old job."
There's an extra layer to the production since Larson died suddenly the morning "RENT" was set to debut Off-Broadway, meaning he never saw the success of his production, Azar said.
The three-person production - starring Gordon Knatcal, Emma Tracy and Curtis Sudduth - creates a more intimate performance but also allows the actors to showcase their talents and set the tone of the play, Azar said.
Knatcal said he sees a lot of himself in the character he portrays, Jon.
"I love how I can relate to so many things that he is thinking and going through throughout the show that I can put that out there on the stage and let the audience know that those struggles are real and most artists go through it," he said.
The small production is not your typical musical though. "Tick, Tick Boom!" includes a full band that performs mostly 1990s rock music.
"This is more of a rock show meant to bring popular music and popular style to musicals," Azar said. "So, it is like watching a live band or a live show."
Tickets cost $25, and those interested can purchase them at ccpjc.org/tick-tick-boom/. The performance does not include dinner, but CCP will offer a snack bar.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, guests will be socially distanced during the performance.