MAKING IT … ON BROADWAY

MOVIE REVIEW

TICK, TICK … BOOM! (M) ALEX FIRST

Jonathan Larson wrote the smash hit Broadway musical Rent. How he got there involved pain and persistence. That’s the subject of Tick, Tick … Boom!

Living in New York with his dancer girlfriend, Larson (Andrew Garfield) dreams of being a Broadway musical writer.

His creativity is recognised by his close and loyal friends, but he is on the cusp of 30 and he hasn’t made it yet. The way he sees it time is running out.

After all, Stephen Sondheim was only 27 when he had his first Broadway success.

Larson is perpetually short of money and works in a diner to try to make ends meet.

For the past eight years he has been writing what he hopes will get him his big break – the futuristic Superbia. More recently, he’s even managed to get Sondheim on board as a mentor.

But he is missing a key number in the second act and with barely days until his first run through in front of Broadway producers he has a severe case of writer’s block.

Further, he has neglected his best friend and his girlfriend, Susan (Alexandra Shipp), who has a life changing decision of her own with which to contend.

Through a mixture of dialogue and catchy tunes (the latter written by Larson), the story unfolds.

The music woven into the script by Steven Levenson presents us with a compelling and moving narrative arc.

Tick, Tick … Boom! is a tale of triumph and tragedy.

We’re in the midst of the AIDS pandemic at that time and Larson has witnessed a number of his friends pass away, the oldest only 27.

Garfield is a bundle of energy in the lead, a dominant force. He acts and sings up a storm in a brilliant characterisation. He is surrounded by talent too.

Shipp is vivacious and down to earth as girlfriend Susan.

Robin de Jesus plays Michael, his childhood friend and wannabe actor who ended up in advertising. de Jesus is totally believable as the sensitive and loyal buddy and sometime roommate.

Vanessa Hudgens knocks it out of the park as one of two vocalists in Larson’s band, alongside Joshua Henry. Both have real presence.

And let’s not forget Jonathan Marc Sherman as Ira Weitzman, the bloke willing to stick his neck out for Larson. He is most credible. The music woven into the script presents us with a compelling and moving narrative arc.

Tick, Tick … Boom! is at times uplifting and buoyant, while never lacking in pathos.

We feel the doubts and bumps … a sure sign the movie is presenting us with a slice of magic.

There is much to like about the way the material is handled, with Garfield showcasing his enormous range. You simply can’t turn away.

Rated M, Tick, Tick … Boom! scores an 8½ out of 10.

Making it … on Broadway

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THEATRE REVIEW

AS YOU LIKE IT (MTC) ALEX FIRST

It is a joyful and triumphant return to the theatre for MTC and its patrons in Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

There is skullduggery afoot. Orlando (James Mackay) is being treated shamefully by his eldest brother Oliver (Chris Ryan) in the wake of their father Sir Roland de Boys’ death. Specifically, Oliver has withheld 1,000 pounds that his father had bequeathed to Orlando, along with a good education. Instead, it has been peasantry all the way.

The lads’ falling out becomes physical. Angry, Orlando challenges the court wrestler Charles to a fight. Things have become so bitter that Oliver prevails upon Charles to injure his brother.

Meanwhile, Duke Frederick (Shivantha Wijesinha) has deposed his brother, Duke Senior, as head of the court. In the lead up to the fight, Orlando sets eyes upon Duke Frederick’s niece, Rosalind (Christie Whelan Brown), who the new duke has allowed to stay in court. She and the Duke’s daughter Celia (Georgia Flood) are best friends and constant companions. From the moment they meet, Orlando and Rosalind are smitten.

Then things take a turn for the worse as Orlando is warned about the plot against him, while Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind, who – like Orlando – seeks shelter (along with Celia) in the Forest of Arden. The two women disguise themselves as men. Food is in short supply. Will love win out, not just for Rosalind and Orlando, but for others in the forest?

The first act is the darkest. That is when the premise is laid out. Thereafter, hijinks abound as Rosalind tests Orlando’s true feelings and others, too, find themselves coupled up.

There is much good humour and a liberal dose of original music, composed by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall. The performances are universally excellent, the cast readily adapting to some tricky lines of dialogue as well as melodic tunes that serve to enhance the overall offering.

In all the years I have seen her on stage, I have never seen Christie Whelan Browne perform less than splendidly and she has a ball with the material here, in what is another stellar showing. So, too, Georgia Flood as her character’s cousin, Celia. Both have a great sense of comic timing and some of their facial expressions are priceless.

James Mackay gives strong voice to the lovesick puppy, Orlando, taking his cues from a manipulative Rosalind. I could single out each of the 13 cast members for special mention because all find their time to shine. The chemistry between artistes is first rate, with fine direction from Simon Phillips.

The elaborate set – jet black and gold accented columns, giving way to a lush green forest setting – makes an immediately and favourable impression. Alicia Clements was responsible. She has also crafted the elaborate costumes, which are as stunning as any I have yet seen at MTC. I speak of ornate black and gold, beige and cream, and cream and gold attire with braiding that would be at home on a catwalk, let alone a stage. Simply “wow!”

The title, As You Like It, is apt because there is so much to “like” about this cheeky, cheery MTC production.

Shakespeare, with music and laughs

Playing at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner until 18th December, it has a running time of 2 hours 45 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.

J-AIR 88FM’s committee of management, presenters and producers wish all listeners a happy and healthy Chanukah and festive season.

J-AIR 88FM – passionate community radio.