Tick, Tick… Boom! is a movie musical that a theater nerd’s dreams are made of. Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, TTB is the inspiring story of composer Jonathan Larson living the life of an artist in New York in the 90s. The movie is inspired by a musical of the same name, also written by Jonathan Larson, but before he wrote RENT. 

On the cusp of his 30th birthday, a promising young theater composer navigates love, friendship and the pressures of life as an artist in New York City.

Miranda did an amazing job of story telling combining the magic of musical theater with the effects made possible on the big screen. So often musical movies are little more than a stage adaptation with the same limitations you would find in the theater. Miranda did not shy away from a montage or flashing between what’s happening in front of you and what’s happening in the imagination. 

The cast brought phenomenal talent with new as well as familiar names and faces. The transitions from acting to singing were seamless. And of course, some quirky dance numbers were laced in, my personal favorite was No More when the two best friends were dancing around the spacious “deluxe apartment in the sky.” 

And what would a musical theater nerd’s dream be without some cameos? As I anticipated one of the more silly songs about brunch at the diner, I did a double-take. Wait- was that? Joel Grey? And BRIAN. STOKES. MITCHELL? I was practically orgasmic by the time I saw a couple of Schyler sisters and original RENT cast members. 

In the late 90s, my dad brought home RENT on CD and I memorized every lyric in that show. When the original Tick, Tick… Boom! soundtrack was released, I was so grateful to have more Jonathan Larson music to fawn over. But this new feature is something all its own. An homage to an artist and his art. Thoughtfully produced and well-executed. I couldn’t have asked for more and I cannot wait to watch it again. 

Click HERE to Watch on NETFLIX

Daniella Martin is a stay-at-home mother of three humans, three cats, and three rats. She is a semi-retired theater nerd, the author of several unpublished blogs, and likes to collect craft supplies that will eventually become hand-bound journals or knitted hats.