'tick,tick...BOOM!'

More than two decades after its premiere, the musical “tick, tick...BOOM!” is heading to China for its first-ever China tour this September. 

Shenzhen theatergoers will have an opportunity to enjoy the acclaimed show, as the only stop of the tour in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will land at the Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center Theater in October. 

Jonathan Larson. Photos from the event organizers

The musical tells the story of Jon, an aspiring composer who lives in a cramped apartment in New York and earns a living as a waiter while pouring his heart into writing his musical. 

As he approaches 30, he sees people around him choose more conventional paths — his friend since childhood gives up acting and finds success in a corporate job, and his girlfriend asks for the possibility of a more stable life. 

As the clock ticks by, he must decide whether to bow to the pressures of life or stick to his passion. 

A semi-autobiographical work of Jonathan Larson, the American composer, lyricist and playwright also behind the beloved musical “Rent,” “tick, tick...BOOM!” vividly portrays the inner struggle of a young man at a crossroads of life, striking a chord with anyone chasing their dreams. 

The 2021 Netflix movie of the same name, adapted from the musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield, won a Golden Globe Award, bringing this music theater classic to an even wider audience. 

Actors for the musical's China tour. 

Exclusively licensed by Music Theater International and produced by Tarento Productions, the China tour will feature excellent West End actors, upgraded stage design and lighting, and a live band, promising audiences an audio-visual feast. 

It will be performed in English with Chinese subtitles. 

Tickets for performances from Oct. 2 to 8 are now on sale. Get your tickets by July 6 to enjoy a 30% early-bird discount! Members of the Nanshan Cultural and Sports Theater are eligible for an additional 5% account. 

A poster for the musical. 

Time: 8 p.m., Oct. 2-5 and 7-12; 2:30 p.m., Oct. 4, 5, 8 and 12 (tickets for Oct. 2-8 performances now open for sale)

Duration: 90 minutes with no intermission

Tickets: 180/280/380/480/680/780 yuan

Venue: Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center Theater, Nanshan District (南山区南山文体中心聚橙剧院)

Metro: Line 12 to Nantou Ancient Town Station (南头古城站), Exit E3; or Line 1 to Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B, then walk around 800 meters