Kicking off opening night on Friday, June 30, “tick…tick…BOOM!” is composer Jonathan Larson’s (“RENT”) heartfelt semi-autobiographical tale chronicling the heady ups and shattering downs of an aspiring artist on the rise. This pop rock play tells the story of an aspiring composer named Jon, living in New York City in 1990. As he approaches his 30th birthday, Jon worries that he has made the wrong career choice: his girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city and his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue, while Jon is still waiting tables and trying to write the Great American Musical before time and life pass him by. Directed by Lauren Katz with music direction by Andrew Flasch and featuring Max DeTogne as Jon, Dunes Summer Theatre’s production of “tick…tick…BOOM!” is a joyous, buoyant and heartfelt portrait of youthful longing and adult achievement.
“This is an extraordinarily challenging show, both dramatically and musically—and we have an extraordinary cast to bring it to life,” says Artistic Director Steve Scott. “Max DeTogne has both the magnetism and vocal chops to bring Jon, the play’s central character, to vibrant life, as he’s demonstrated in previous Dunes productions of ‘Working 2012,’ ‘A Grand Night for Singing,’ and last season’s opening show, ‘Next to Normal.’ He will be ably supported by Lili Galluzzo and Khyel Roberson, fresh from their appearances in ‘Boeing Boeing,’ each plays several figures in Jon’s life, and I know that they’re more than up to the challenge. It’s a dream cast, and I’m certain that they’ll bring all the poignance, passion and humor of Jonathan Larson’s beautiful play to our audiences.”
“It’s a story about time,” explains Director Katz on the production. “What does it mean to make the most of the time we have left, and what is standing in the way? A story very much grounded in a specific moment in time—specifically the AIDS crisis in the 1990s—Jon literally feels like he is racing against the clock as he not only turns 30, but also watches his loved ones pass away or move on to a life more stable than that of an artist. However, these questions are certainly not outdated as we consider our current moment. COVID has invited many of us to consider time in a whole new way—especially artists. What does it mean to seize the moment, especially if you don’t know what is coming tomorrow? How do we navigate a life of passion when everything seems to be standing in the way? Working on this dazzling musical portrait in 2023 has invited us to not only make the parallels, but also consider the lessons we can implement as we—just like Jon—navigate uncharted territory.”
“Tick…tick…BOOM!” opens Friday, June 30 at Dunes Summer Theatre (located at 288 Shady Oak Dr, Michigan City, Ind.) and runs July 1-2, 7-9, 14-16. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m. CST (8 p.m. EST) and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. CST (3 p.m. EST). The box office opens one hour before the show. Come early and enjoy a snack or drink on our patio. Individual tickets can be purchased for $30 on DunesArts.org; $27 senior/student tickets and $25 for group sales (four or more) are also available.
Join us for opening night reception on Friday, June 30 after the show at 9:30 p.m. CST (10:30 p.m. EST) to meet the cast, director and production team. The cost is $20 each or free for ticket season holders and donors over $150.
ABOUT DUNES ARTS SUMMER THEATRE
The Dunes Arts Foundation, which operates Dunes Arts Summer Theatre and Education Programs, was incorporated in the State of Indiana in 1951 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Nestled within the woodsy dunes of Michiana Shores, Dunes Summer Theatre is located at about a half mile from the Indiana Dunes and the Lake Michigan shore at 288 Shady Oak Dr, Michigan City, Ind. As northwest Indiana’s longest-running summer theater program, Dunes Summer Theatre has provided professional theater productions for more than seven decades. This one-of-a-kind experience is a highlight of Harbor Country’s cultural fabric, promoting community spirit and embracing inclusivity, diversity and accessibility in all areas of operations. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit dunesarts.org or call (219) 879-7509. Follow along on social media @dunesartsfoundation