Time's Up: Keene High Drama Club Stages Fall Musical with Ticking-Clock Theme

An upcoming performance of "Tick, Tick... Boom!" by the Keene High School Drama Club will explore themes around the intertwining of life's differing paths, the pressures of time and navigating relationships. "Tick, Tick... Boom!" was originally told using only three actors, but the Keene High production is a cast of 13 that includes walk-on and cameo parts. Written by Jonathan Larson, who also wrote "Rent," the musical is an autobiographical tale of an aspiring composer (Jon) living in 1990s New York City who is questioning his life choices as he prepares to celebrate his 30th birthday with his girlfriend Susan. With an overarching theme of holding onto your dreams even through life's most difficult challenges, the musical was turned into a Netflix film in 2021 that stars Andrew Garfield, Alexadra Shipp and Vanessa Hudgens, directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Matthew "Matt" Ohlson is now in his fourth year as the drama club advisor, which typically stages a musical in the autumn and a straight play each spring. The club's musical director is Joseph "Joe" Conti and Riley Anne Lynch is the choreographer. Productions are chosen based on a variety of factors that include ability to obtain the rights, cast size and style, Ohlson and Conti explained, adding that it all boils down to providing the fullest experience possible for the students. This year's musical was selected in May, allowing club participants a full summer to get familiar with the show and to build anticipation, Ohlson explained. They've been learning their parts since auditions were held right after Labor Day, Ohlson said, with a 12-week rehearsal period that includes a full Saturday of run-throughs. This year's musical will have just two showings rather than the usual three. Set in locations like Jon's apartment, a diner and his rehearsal space, the Keene High stage will have a black box theater look to it with a sparse stage and the pit orchestra playing on-stage behind the actors, Ohlson said. This was a purposeful decision as in the original production the musicians were part of the show. "It's better for both convenience and communication," Ohlson explained in that the cast doesn't need to project their voices out over the orchestra to reach the audience. Senior Evelyn Ormerod is the club president and stage manager. She said she's been involved in theater since the fifth grade, primarily in tech and behind-the-scenes production, and plans to continue with theater as a hobby through college. "I really like putting something together with a group of people," she explained. "My joy comes from seeing my friends on stage. I like to be the one behind the curtain." Ormerod's favorite part of the show is the music, although she's also a big fan of the '90s fashion. "Other musicals are more theater music, but this one has a lot of pop and rock," she said. "It's a musical that is so different than others in general. There are deep themes but it's not depressing. It's upbeat. It's a musical everyone can enjoy." Senior Henry Wichland plays the role of Jon and senior Kathleen Leinau, the club's vice-president, depicts the character of Susan. Wichland really connected with the message of the show, he said, and with Larson's life. "It encapsulates a lot of his struggles and also his wins," Wichland said. "The songs are like outtakes of his life." Wichland, who is also in rehearsals of "Antigone 2020" with the MoCo Arts High School Theatre program, said he likes certain aspects of both musicals and straight plays. He plans to major in musical theater with a possible communications minor if he attends a liberal arts college rather than a conservatory. He said the themes of "Tick, Tick... Boom!" are powerful, including the relationship issues between Jon and Susan. "It gives a lot of tension," Wichland explained. "It gives the characters a lot of stakes, which can be very emotionally impactful for those characters." Without giving away too much of the storyline, Leinau said she found connection between her own experiences and the character of Susan's struggles. "I like how there are parallels between her life and my own life." Leinau explained. "She's very complex emotionally. She's strong and knows what she wants but she's not immune to pain." As far as audience appeal, Leinau said this musical is intriguing because it's unique and she compared it to a puzzle. "Nothing super extraordinary happens, but that's kind of the point in that it's important to (the character of Jon) because he's such a dramatic person," Leinau elaborated. Ohlson emphasized that the show is a great opportunity for the community to see what Keene High Drama Club is all about. "These kids are all doing great stuff," Ohlson said. "This town is an arts town, and we rally around the arts. There are 880 seats in this auditorium, and I'd love to see them all full." Ticket sales as well as any show sponsorships he receives go back to the club and allow Ohlson to award modest scholarships to graduating seniors. With 10 seniors this year, good audience attendance will be appreciated, and the show is an impressive display of talent. "The students are involved in every aspect," Ohlson stressed. "It's something to be seen and celebrated and it matters. They put in so much time and effort." Two performances of "Tick, Tick... Boom!" will be staged on Nov. 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. in the Keene High School auditorium at 43 Arch St. in Keene. "Tick, Tick...Boom!" is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. Tickets are $8 general admission and can be purchased in advance at ticketsource.com/khs-drama-club or at the door. For updates, follow the "Keene High School Drama Club" group page on Facebook or @khs_drama_club on Instagram.