LIFE & CULTURE

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ Is The Netflix Musical Set To Have Us Singing Through 2021

Clear the wind pipes!

Given its astonishing acclaim, endless awards and release onto online streaming services, Hamilton has taken the world by storm. And with the recent release of In The Heights to cinemas worldwide, Lin-Manuel Miranda is far from finished delivering fans catchy tunes in film form.

Enter: Tick, Tick… Boom!

His first directorial debut, Tick, Tick… Boom! is a film adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s iconic musical of the same name. Andrew Garfield stars as a slightly fictionalised version of Larson himself, who tragically passed away in his mid-30s before the release of his hit musical, Rent

As for Miranda’s iteration of the musical, time turns back to when Jon was a young songwriter, working tirelessly on a show—starring High School Musical alum Vanessa Hudgens—to break into the musical theatre industry. And with his 30th birthday looming, Jon must choose between following his dreams or opting for safety after he’s offered a high-paying job and ponders starting a family with girlfriend, Susan.

Piqued your interest? Keep reading for everything you need to know about the film—from the plot to the cast and where you can stream it in Australia.

What Is The Plot Of Tick, Tick… Boom!?

Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, Tick, Tick… Boom! Follows the life of Jonathan Larson, an aspiring songwriter working on making their debut into musical theatre, while struggling to survive in New York in the ‘90s.

With his upcoming 30th birthday providing ample amounts of anxiety, Jon works on a stage production, called ‘Superbia’, while his girlfriend, Susan, and his friend, Michael, pull him in different directions. As for Michael, he wants Jon to work in a marketing firm with him, where money and success will alleviate the stress of his current low-income profession. However, Susan attempts to convince Jon to forgo his Broadway dreams and start a family together.  

As for the name Tick, Tick… Boom!, Jon begins to feel like his life has become exactly that, while he decides between living comfortably or pursuing his dreams. 

The story itself is considered fiction, however, it is loosely based on Jonathan Larson’s own life. Having died at the age of 35 of aortic dissection, he was never able to witness the immense success of his hit musical, Rent, on the Broadway stage.

Intrigued? Check out the trailer below to see for yourself.

WATCH BELOW: Tick, Tick… Boom! Trailer

Who Is In The Cast Of Tick, Tick… Boom!?

As with most of Netflix’s offerings, Tick, Tick… Boom!‘s cast is a rather famous affair. Leading the cast is Andrew Garfield (The Social Network, The Amazing Spiderman) who stars as Jon, the film’s main character who Larson based on himself. Joining Garfield is Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical, The Princess Switch) playing Karessa, a friend of Jon and Alexandra Shipp (X-Men: Apocolypse, Jeft) as Susan, Jon’s girlfriend.

Along with the trio, the film also stars Robin de Jesus (The Boys In The Band) as Michael; Judith Light (Ugly Betty, The Politician) as Rosa Stevens; and Bradley Whitford (Get Out, The Handmaid’s Tale) as iconic Broadway songwriter, Stephen Sondheim.

Tick, Tick... Boom!

Where To Watch Tick, Tick… Boom! In Australia

Interested? Tick, Tick… Boom! is set to hit cinemas before landing on Netflix by spring 2021.

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