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Last Friday I had the privilege of going to the Cassidy Theatre in Parma
Heights to see their production of Jonathan Larson’s tick… tick… BOOM! (TTB). First
off, let me get the cheesy, yet true puns out of the way: the cast was “dynamite”!
The music was “explosive”! Over all, the show was “mind blowing” and everything
that a modern musical should be. <br>
<br>
Before I talk about the specific show, I’d like to talk a 21-year-old that very
much enjoys musical theatre. I am very impressed that Cassidy was willing to
experiment with a modern, somewhat controversial show. It is definitely a
change from classical theatre like Music Man, but not a bad change; a change
that shows where the future of theatre is heading. I really hope that this
production encourages other theatres to break away from the mold of
conservative, safe shows and begin to stage shows that are a little more edgy
and geared for my generation. While this kind of show could be seen as a
gamble, if you want to see this type of show done in a very tasteful manner, go
see this production of TTB. While there may be some “F bombs” dropped, it is done
in a very tasteful manner and adds the element of edginess that Larson wanted
when he was writing the show based on his actual life. <br>
<br>
The production itself was wonderful due to the phenomenal, energetic cast. I
feel that every character was able to identify with their character and really
brought a sense of authenticity to the stage. Rick McGuigan, who plays the
lead, Jon, had a true connection with the audience as he narrated his way
through the story. His comedic timing and deliveries took the story to another
level. Andrew Parmalee played the supporting role of Michael, and did a stellar
job. His intricate acting choices and beautiful baritone notes were brilliant.
He moved me and most of the almost-sold-out audience every time he was on
stage. Susan DiDino who ironically played the role of Susan, was able to hold
her own against 2 strong leading men. He facial expressions are wonderful and
she is always 100% in the zone when on stage. I was shocked to find out after
the show that she performed the show with strep throat. I would never have
known something was wrong, which is the sign of a great performer. The rest of
the cast consisted of Lauren Merrick Blazer, Kate Leigh Michalski, and Mark
Robert Snyder. They had the tough job of playing many characters each. At
times, they had to switch roles without a costume change and they acted each
role out so specifically that it was never confusing as to who they were
playing. Siwtching accents and tones in a beat’s time is not an easy task and
they all accomplished it every time. Their amazing voices also contributed to
flawless harmonies every time the whole cast sang together. <span style=""> </span>Another surprisingly wonderful moment was Lauren
belting out “Come to Your Senses”.<br>
<br>
Each musical number, choreographed by the director, Kim Mihalik, was uniquely
staged according to the style of the song. It is always a challenge to
choreograph a musical that is not a “dance-heavy” show. You don’t want to
over-choreograph it, yet you don’t want the characters blandly standing still
while singing. While every number was very appropriately choreographed and
balanced, my favorites were “Sunday”, which is a tribute to Sondheim, and the
energy in the rock song “No More”. <br>
<br>
Another amazing element was the rock orchestra behind the singers. Michael
Caraffi, the music director, not only taught his cast wonderful vocals, but
also put together a very sold and balanced pit band. With louder, rock shows it
is usually hard to get a good sound balance. Whoever was mixing the sound
deserves major kudos as the singers and band complemented each other perfectly.
There were several times that I got goosebumps by the power chords that were
being played and sang in front of me. This was best achieved in the finale,
“Louder Than Words”, and “Sunday”. <br>
<br>
Overall, TTB is a wonderful example of what theatre should be evolving to.
Putting the show itself aside, the way that the all of the elements of a good
show were tied together should be a challenge to other community theatre
productions to raise the bar. The lighting was so beautiful and the use of the
scrim was at times chilling. Lights and sound can do so much in taking a show
to the next level and that was beautifully achieved. Also, Kim’s direction was
so detailed that some of the most powerful moments were the things that were
happening on stage that weren’t even the focus point. Most directors do a good
job constructing the big pictures of shows. But Kim also focused on all the little
pictures that exist in the background and the actors handle that direction
perfectly and continue to carry on the story in a magical way.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This show really is a must-see. Me and my two friends had a
blast and really enjoyed it and what amazes me is that the older members of the
audience also enjoyed it. All in all, it was a great night of theatre. I would
like to close with a quote from an older woman to her friend as they were
leaving the show: <span style=""> </span>“I must say, I came in
here expecting to hate it and I’m walking out wanting to see it again. Those
youngsters were great!”. And I completely agree! For $10, I had a great time.
Just say “Green Green Dress” and you save $5 off your ticket. For ticket
information, call (440) 842-4600. Congrats cast and crew and
thanks for giving me and my friends a powerful, enjoyable night of theatre!</p><p class="MsoNormal">For more info, visit <a href="http://www.cassidytheatre.com">http://www.cassidytheatre.com</a></p><br><p class="MsoNormal">
-Shane Joseph Siniscalchi<br></p>