tick, tick...BOOM presented by The Journeymen Theater Company at Berger Park

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...This marks the Journeymen's debut as the resident theater company at Berger Park, a lovely lakefront setting that one hopes will inspire better work in the future."

Windy City Times - Recommended

"...Whatever Eric Michaels, in the marathon role of Jonathan ( who never leaves the stage for the entire 90 minutes ) , may lack in Shubert Alley schmaltz, he more than redeems in lyrical interpretation, with the sturdy support of Lindsay Naas and Chicago newcomer Aaron Dore. But the emotional intensity conveyed by three powerhouse vocalists delivering eye contact and unmiked song at a range of barely four yards makes for an urgency and empathy unimaginable in loftier venues."

Chicago Free Press - Somewhat Recommended

"...As a road map to “Rent,” this autobiographical show offers a few points of interest. Its protagonist, a composer named Jonathan, talks about his desire to write a musical to inspire a new generation—“the ‘Hair’ of the ’90s,” he says. “Tick…Tick…BOOM” is all about young artists struggling, plus a subplot about Jonathan’s roommate feeling ill. It turns out he has AIDS, although that unsurprising and belated revelation, like most of the narrative arcs, is never fully developed."

EpochTimes - Recommended

"...irected by Frank Pullen ( who also runs the restaurant), this intimate piece moves very well in this newly remodeled "Coach House Theater". I was a little concerned about the lack of ventilation as they closed off the open screens/windows, but then again, you need to have total concentration on the play and every night will not be following a 90 degree day. The set is just some platforms and brick walls/partitions and there are a couple of stools- that's it. This show works, not because of sets, costumes, props or even lighting. It works because the music is "Jonathan Larson" and the story is about him and the three actors are very talented in both acting and singing."

Time Out Chicago - Not Recommended

"...Little more than a collection of workshop songs connected by the narrowest of threads, Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick…Boom! isn’t much of a musical. After Larson’s regrettably early death—and the subsequent megasuccess of his pop opera Rent—playwright David Auburn worked up Tick, Tick…Boom! into a three-character show in an apparent effort to give Larson’s fans something else by which to remember him, however trivial."