A trio of young performers is tying into a long-running social justice theater group to present the autobiographical musical by the composer of the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning “Rent.”
The production of “tick, tick…BOOM!” is being independently produced by Lucas Youngerberg in cooperation with Andrea Broman (director), Noah Wilson (music) and Centenary Social Justice Theatre.
Unlike past productions, a ticket must be purchased instead of making a free-will offering at the show. That’s to cover the costs of the production and provide participants with a stipend for their work, Youngerberg said.
“tick, tick…BOOM!” follows an aspiring composer questioning his life choices on the eve of his 30th birthday. The title refers to Jon, his girlfriend Susan and best friend Mike, all of whom are hearing their own internal clocks ticking, wondering if they’ll achieve their dreams before time “runs out.”
“I wanted to present this show for a few reasons,” said Wilson, a pianist who is joined by Dan Crandall on guitar, Nate Beran on bass and Hunter Delikowski on drums in the show’s orchestra.
“First, I’ve been in love with Jonathan Larson’s writing in ‘Rent’ since my high school days, especially as a pianist. Secondly, back in 2022 there was a point when I almost quit playing, and it was a production of ‘Rent’ in the Twin Cities that ultimately helped me decide I couldn’t stop playing.”
So, in a way, he’s been there, done that.
He hoped to capture the Twin Cities experience in Mankato, and with the help of Broman and Youngerberg is making that happen, he said.
“I think anyone who has an artistic side to them could find something to relate to in the questions Jon raises about pursuing their dreams,” he continued. “But I also think those questions extend to more than the arts, into what makes us human, which I think everyone can relate to.”
Centenary United Methodist Church takes on themes of humanity in its Social Justice Theatre. They note on their website that “our shows entertain, but also spark meaningful community conversation.”
Past productions include everything from “Shrek the Musical” to “The Laramie Project” and “Proof,” seeking to engage all aspects of the community. With its adult themes, “tick, tick…BOOM!” is not recommended for children under 13.
Jon is played by Brady Waibel, who has made a theatrical impact in New Ulm and Mankato. Michael is played by Billy Krager and Susan by Shealyn Salgado. Instead of having Michael play multiple roles, those are being played by lead actor understudies in ensemble roles; they are Austin Reyes, Derek Helget and Bianca Wilson.
“The show is all about reaching your goals, your dreams before you reach the ripe old age of 30,” Youngerberg said, somewhat tongue in cheek. “But it’s one of those things where you know you want to make that impact, you want to reach for those goals and those dreams. But sometimes life has its own timeline for you.”