Jonathan Larson’s legacy usually boils down to “Rent.” But the Encores! Off-Center series is making a strong case for his lesser-known “tick, tick…BOOM!” with a high-energy production that runs only until Saturday.
Largely autobiographical, “tick” doesn’t have the range of Larson’s ’96 megahit, but it’s an engaging portrait of the artist as a young man, along with a fun retro snapshot of New York City circa 1990 — when “every show’s from London and every ticket costs a jaw-dropping 50 bucks.”
Jon (Lin-Manuel Miranda) is about to turn 30 — a “promising young composer” who has been “ ‘promising’ for so long that I’m afraid I’m starting to break the f—ing promise.” Should he stick with his dream or, like his girlfriend, Susan (Karen Olivo), and bestie, Michael (Leslie Odom Jr.), get a job?
Miranda, the author and star of “In the Heights,” must have shared that anxiety before his big breakthrough, which gives his performance a lived-in, been-there, done-that edge. But he’s a little wobbly in the singing department, unlike his cast-mates.
Olivo famously “retired” a few years ago after winning a Tony for her scorching Anita in “West Side Story” — she now lives and teaches in Madison, Wis.
Leaving at the top of her game seems to have enhanced the actress’ cult status, because her entrance was met with huge applause. And she earned it: If someone can make an ode to Twinkies smolder, it’s Olivo, who also injects a playful, relaxed sexiness to “Green Green Dress,” a rollicking duet with Miranda.
Odom is equally impressive, subtly suggesting aching regret in “No More.”
Staged simply but ingeniously by Oliver Butler, with an energetic rock band on stage, “tick, tick…BOOM!” is a melancholy look at fading youth — but it also brilliantly evokes the thrill of new beginnings.