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.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
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!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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