Reviews of tick, tick ... BOOM!
What Critics Are Saying
"Rent creator Jonathan Larson battles his way toward broadway in tick, tick … BOOM! Portland Center Stage’s production is an unqualified triumph.” –Willamette Week
"It's a semi-autobiographical account of his effort to break into the musical theatre world, as well as an homage to Stephen Sondheim." –BroadwayWorld
"The play is a brilliant piece of work, with catchy music and dialog, satire and comedy, beautifully brought to life by the chemistry of the three actors." –Judy Nedry
"Superb ... the three cast members together are a marvel, making the most of the gorgeous harmonies that feel so characteristic of Larson’s other work and moving together with joy and alacrity." –Portland Observer
"You walk away certain of one thing above all else: there really is no day but today." –Portland Monthly
"Portland Center Stage presents tick, tick … BOOM! A portrayal of honest love and defeating fear" –PSU Vanguard
What Audiences Are Saying
"Great production to start the season! Lots to enjoy and to think about! Loved their voices."
"Stupendous!"
"Great show, wonderful cast. Clever direction."
"Powerful energy and talent!"
"Beautifully done! Excellent casting, staging, music and acting! All around A+++"
"Great vocals, music and lyrics. Loved the storytelling."
"Absolutely loved it! Would see it again. I can’t pick a favorite actor, they all had some pretty amazing moments."
National Reviews
“tick, tick ... BOOM! is as powerful as ever.” –BroadwayWorld
“The origins of Rent are evident in tick, tick ... BOOM!” –Chicago Sun Times
“ONLY the most stoic will fail to be swamped with emotion.” –BroadwayWorld
“So relevant, probably more so now than ever … deeply raw and emotional.” –BroadwayWorld
“Rollicking, urgent.” –BroadwayWorld
“Full of emotional rock ballads and catchy anthems.” –BroadwayWorld
More about tick, tick … BOOM!:
Behind the Curtain: Larson & Sondheim
When theater's cherished composer Stephen Sondheim met Jonathan Larson, he took the young tick, tick ... BOOM! creator under his wing. PCS Literary Manager Kamilah Bush explores their relationship and Sondheim's candid thoughts from a New York Times interview written just months after Larson's death.
AIDS, Arts, & Activism
Learn about the history of the AIDS epidemic, including the cultural responses that exist to this day.
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Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Acting Shakespeare: Monologues
Dive into the world of the Bard and explore the excitement of performing Shakespeare!
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Join us for a very special Portland Center Stage benefit concert, featuring the legendary Storm Large.
Foundations of Improvisation
Looking to expand your knowledge and skills of improvisation? Whether you did theater in high school and want to jump back in, are looking to find creative connections with others, or are a theater professional looking to deepen your training, this course is perfect for you!
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