Emily Rodriguez
Yes, the movie “tick, tick… BOOM!” (2021) is based on a semi-autobiographical musical of the same name by Jonathan Larson, the creator of the hit musical “Rent.” The story follows an aspiring composer named Jon who is struggling to find success in the theater world while navigating personal and professional challenges. While the movie takes some creative liberties, it is inspired by Larson’s own experiences and struggles as an artist trying to make it in the industry.
What is the true story behind the movie tick, tick… BOOM! (2021)?
The movie “tick, tick… BOOM!” is loosely based on the life of Jonathan Larson, the creator of “Rent” - a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that revolutionized the Broadway scene in the ’90s.
Larson wrote “tick, tick… BOOM!” as an autobiographical musical monologue in 1990, three years before the premiere of “Rent”. The show chronicles Larson’s own struggles as an unknown composer trying to break into the competitive world of musical theatre, while balancing his dreams with the pressures of familial and societal expectations.
However, like in the movie, Larson’s story takes a tragic turn when he unexpectedly dies on the eve of the premiere of “Rent”, due to an aortic dissection. He was only 35 years old at the time.
The movie, directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is adapted from the semi-autobiographical musical monologue, but it is not entirely faithful to the source material - some characters and events are fictionalized, and the timeline is condensed for dramatic purposes.
However, the film does capture Larson’s passion for music and his desire to create something meaningful that would resonate with audiences.
Are there any books about the true story behind the movie tick, tick… BOOM! (2021)?
Yes, there is a book by Jonathan Larson, the creator of the musical “tick, tick… BOOM!”, which inspired the movie. The book is called “Tick, Tick… BOOM!: The Complete Book and Lyrics” and includes Larson’s original script, lyrics, and notes. There are also a few biographies written about Larson and his life, including “Rent” by William A. Everett and “Jonathan Larson: The Man Who Brought Rent to Life” by David Gritten.
You can try an audible free trial and search for audiobook versions of those