Entertainment
20 December, 2025
Hugh’s about to tick, tick ... BOOM!
PULITZER Prize and Tony Award-winning musical tick, tick ... BOOM! is coming to Cairns for three performances only in May 2026.
The reimagined production, directed by Trudy Dunn with musical direction by Kohan van Sambeek, features rock songs, sweeping melodies and a live onstage band.
The musical tells the semi-autobiographical story of composer Jonathan Larson, exploring ambition, love and the pressures of turning 30 as one chases one’s dreams.
Hugh Sheridan will star as Jon, joined by Elenoa Rokobaro as Susan and Finn Alexander as Michael.
The cast brings to life Mr Larson’s story of a young composer navigating life’s crossroads in 1990 New York City, as his girlfriend considers leaving the city, his best friend climbs the corporate ladder and Jon balances waiting tables at the Moondance Diner with writing the next great American musical.
The Australian production received positive reviews, with the Sydney Morning Herald awarding it four stars: “Sheridan supplies all the warmth and daggy charm needed for us to invest our sympathies in Jon, forgive him of his sins and hope he might find fulfilment.”
Before Rent, Mr Larson created tick, tick ... BOOM!, later adapted into a 2021 feature film by Lin-Manuel Miranda starring Andrew Garfield, Robin de Jesús, Alexandra Shipp, Joshua Henry, Judith Light and Vanessa Hudgens.
The film was named one of the best of 2021 by the American Film Institute and received nominations for best motion picture – musical or comedy at the Golden Globes and best picture at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Mr Garfield won a Golden Globe for best actor and was nominated for an Academy Award.
The shows are at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre on Friday 1 May 2026 at 7.30pm and Saturday 2 May 2026 at 3pm and 7.30pm.
Tickets start from $80 and can be booked via www.bit.ly/48QOn6Y
