Luke Volker & Stephanie Long, image by Greg Harm.
Are you ready to be inspired by a rock musical that encourages you to pursue your dreams? Well, our next production is guaranteed to hit you in the feels, as we prepare to blast onto the Ipswich Civic Centre stage from 28 October 2021. With rehearsals amping up, ‘tick, tick… Boom!’ is a new musical, by Jonathan Larson, filled with great music and relatable themes. We caught up with Musical Director, Luke Volker, to chat about the power that’s behind the collaboration, composing and creating. Read our full interview below.
“Music’s kind of always been part of my life. Apparently when I was three years old, I would sit at my grandmother’s piano and figure out the songs I had just heard on Play School. I’ve been playing ever since!”
1. You’re musically directing ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ - what has the process been like?
Being a rock show, there’s a certain amount of liberty able to be taken with the score (as opposed to say a Sondheim). The process has been incredibly collaborative, taking these songs and making sure they serve our incredible performers. Little tweaks to orchestration or tempos to highlight an important moment, letting the cast ad lib certain fills, etc. I always feel like giving the performers some ownership of the material gets the best results, and this score certainly gives us that room to play.
2. How has it been in the rehearsal room, seeing the characters come to life?
It’s been great! For this remount we have a new leading man in Chris White, so it’s been brilliant to see how his choices differ to how things were played last time. We also have the opportunity to revisit some staging for the new venue, so that’s been exciting too.
3. What has it been like working with the director, Timothy Wynn, and the cast? Any memorable moments?
I. love. Tim. We are so often on the same page that the entire process has been incredibly easy. He also meticulously prepares without ever being a dictator, so the room always feels very organised while still being collaborative. The cast are similarly prepared while being total sponges and ready to take on any notes we throw at them, so it’s kind of a dream team. Probably the most memorable moment was after working on Steph Long’s interpretation of Come To Your Senses, finally getting to hear her belt that out with the band. Chills, goosebumps, maybe even a cheeky tear. Magic.
4. What goes into preparing for this role and a new show?
I always read and play through the score, and if there’s a recording available I’ll listen to that too (not to mimic, but sometimes there’s important stuff that never made it in to the written materials). I usually like to read the script too, to track the characters’ dramatic journey outside of just what they sing. Then there’s the practical discussions with producers about band budget and so on, plus concept meetings with the director and choreographer to discuss any important casting or story decisions.
5. Where did your love of music begin?
Music’s kind of always been part of my life. Apparently when I was three years old, I would sit at my grandmother’s piano and figure out the songs I had just heard on Play School. I’ve been playing ever since!
6. Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into musical theatre or composing?
I think with anything in the arts, it’s usually the thing that makes you weird or different that can be your best asset. As a composer, it’s your individual voice that’s going to set you apart and make your stuff memorable. Similarly if you’re wanting to perform, what is that you can bring to the stage that someone else can’t? Obviously training is incredibly important, because it can be gruelling work at times so you need a solid technique to support you. But training can take many different forms, whether it’s a university degree or private classes or mentorship programs. Then all that’s left is to chase every opportunity you can… which is easier said than done! But especially early on, don’t be afraid to say yes to less-than-ideal gigs — you just never know who you might connect with or what doors might open up.
7. Back to ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’, what do you love about the music of the show?
I love that Jonathan Larson was a big music theatre nerd, but was determined to put real rock music on stage. And really I think he succeeded! Any of these songs sound like they could come from a legitimate rock album, but there are all these little references to classic musicals for the fellow nerds in the audience.
8. Do you relate to any of the characters in the show or their journey’s?
Honestly, probably Jon. Having turned 30 in the peak of the pandemic, there was definitely a sense of “What is happening? Have I wasted my life? Is it all over? Have I thrown away any chance of happiness?” Y’know, classic existential drama. This crisis may be ongoing...
9. If you could compose a song, what would its title be? What would it sound like?
I actually have composed a little bit! I majored in it at uni, and last year I wrote a children’s mini-opera with Jackson McGovern (our 2020 Jon) called There Once Was A Puffin. It follows a very selfish Puffin on their beakday, who learns (through a musical conversation with a Clari-Net of Fishes) how to finally share with their friends. It is exactly as silly and wholesome as it sounds.
10. Why should audiences come to see the show? What will they miss if they’re not in the audience?
We have four incredible QLD artists singing their faces off and telling a pretty relatable story about the nature of art and legacy and what it means to grow up. Also, it’s a great chance to catch the stage show before the film version premieres in November!
‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ performs for four shows only from Thursday, 28 October 2021 at the Ipswich Civic Centre. For tickets, click here or call 07 3810 6100 for phone bookings.
