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
Piano Bar with Courtney Freed and David Saffert
Join us for this monthly event with local songstress Courtney Freed and Portland-based pianist David Saffert as they host a good old-fashioned PIANO BAR.
NASSIM
From Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour (creator of the Off-Broadway smash hit White Rabbit, Red Rabbit) comes an audacious new theatrical experiment, presented in collaboration with Boom Arts. Each night, a new, unrehearsed local performer joins the playwright on stage, while the script waits, unseen, in a sealed box... Touchingly autobiographical yet powerfully universal, NASSIM is a striking theatrical demonstration of how language can both divide and unite us.
Coriolanus
Shakespeare’s tragedy about the war hero Coriolanus and the fight between the elite and the deprived masses will be fueled by a dynamic female and non-binary ensemble with a muscular, movement-focused staging.
First Annual 503 Day
Portland's first annual 503 Day. Discounts on tickets, drink specials, and more!
Pre-Show Music with Chera Chera
As part of BIPOC Affinity Night for Nassim, join us for a pre-show music performance featuring Chera Chera, blending Iranian music and Farsi lyrics for the matinee crowds.
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!
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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