I consider myself a child of the theater. Theater has brought me to tears, especially musicals. Most people consider plays or musicals as mere artsy entertainment; but in reality, it’s a source of inspiration apart from the authenticity it bears brought about by actual, real, and no-movie-cut scenes. Theater is essentially organic and more felt, and I can attest to that.

So, in my search for another piece to resonate with, I found Tick Tick Boom, a musical written by multi-awarded composer Jonathan Larson, most popularly known for Rent. Produced by 9 Works Theatrical, Tick Tick Boom opens the stage to everyone searching for that most awaited moment of success and happiness.

I felt it so much not only because I just turned 30, but also because in how it makes it seem okay to still struggle at this point, figuring out where to go. I would like to share a few lines from 3 songs I like the most in this musical.

My 3 Favorite Song Lyrics in Tick Tick Boom

3. To those who are still sleeping and settling.

COME TO YOUR SENSES

Come to your senses, defenses are not the way to go

Come to your senses, the fences inside are not for real

Come to your senses, suspense is fine

This definitely hit me in the gut. I then asked myself why we still hold back despite being free. Quitting a dreadful office job and hitting the lines of the creative world will definitely lead somewhere. I mean, it’s time to wake up and forget that we should not just pay bills, but actually live. It’s all in the mind and how we are programmed to work, earn, pay-off expenses, and work again. It’s that feeling of being splashed with water and realising we haven’t been living our lives. And yes, suspense is fine.

2. To those who desire to truly live their lives.

LOUDER THAN WORDS

Why should we try to be our best when we can just get by and still gain?

Why should we blaze a trail when the well worn path seems safe and so inviting?

Why do we stay with lovers who we know, down deep just aren’t right?

Why does it take catastrophe to start a revolution?

How can you make someone take off and fly? Cages or wings? Which do you prefer?

A great contrast of extremes on how we tend to push ourselves more, and later on settle for what’s comforting. There is a choice between confinement and perseverance, stability and passion. It’s either we stay or aim for the big thing. Why do we do what we do when we can do more with so many other things? Why do we stay in a relationship that has long been dreadful when we can seek for something good out of it or find a better half? Why can’t we push ourselves and start realizing that dream of becoming a writer, painter, singer, actor, or dancer? Why can’t we get a job we’ve always wanted but we’re scared to try? Why?

1. To those want to wake up.

REAL LIFE

Why do we seek up ecstasy in all the wrong places?

This summed up my thoughts and emotional journey through the musical. Why are we forcing ourselves in a situation where happiness is fabricated, when we ought to find one in a place where we haven’t been? This simply made me think if where I am now is where I am supposed to be. We can’t just wake up in the morning and drag ourselves to where we are expected to be. We need to find out what truly makes us happy, and finding the place will make it easier.

There is no reason to waste time. The time is now, as the musical says. At first, turning 30 may seem taunting because it’s now or never; but we just have to push ourselves more, and make the choices that will lead us to the right way.

Catch Tick Tick Boom this October at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC, Makati City.

Tick Tick Boom

By 9 Works Theatrical

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