05/29/2026
Thanks for hanging out and sharing your thoughts, Kyle!
TICK, TICK… BOOM! SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: Written by Kyle Wolford in Association with Kickin’ It With Kyle
Set in NYC in the year 1990, this musical follows a young composer, Jon, fearing that he is running out of time approaching his 30’s. This show is a mix of humor, honesty, and is so relatable to those artists struggling with the anxiety of their craft. Not to mention those young adults feeling as through they’re running out of time. I fit both of those categories personally.
Acting Out for Good is a non-profit theatre organization that helps financially support individuals and causes through proceeds from their performances. Their motto is “Doing good in our community… One performance at a time”. This specific show, the proceeds are donated to the Jonathan Larson Grants at the American Theatre Wing to support emerging Musical Theatre composers and writers.
Mark Ashby, the creative mind behind the direction of this show and Acting Out for Good, once again made a phenomenal show. This man has a talent and a passion that is so inspiring and so specific. Every bit of blocking tells its own story from where each individual is placed. He made the space feel intimate with the audience, like the audience is in NYC experiencing this with each character. Everything was done by a wise director, always high praise for Mark Ashby.
Choreography is done by Jill Keith, which means it is on point as always. Keith keeps her choreography clean and always perfectly choreographer for each number. Not to mention in this show and in most, she serves as the Stage Manager and just Queen of Everything.
Now these performers were ON POINT! Truth be told, I saw this show early on the first time they moved into this space, and they handled it with ease. You could never tell. Every dance move was in time, every line was perfectly done, every harmony blended so nicely. You’d think you were seeing this show on Broadway with the level of talent on that stage.
Let’s talk about the man turning 30 in 1990, Jon, played by Nate Hutchings. A man who has so much passion for what he does but hears the ticking of his own anxiety constantly. Nate plays this character to a tee, letting the audience in on every emotion he is feeling. He shows how strong of a performer he is by never leaving the stage. That takes major stamina and knowledge of your character and the show.
Wearing multiple shoes in this production is Haley Hutchings, who plays Susan, Karessa, and Rosa. The way she can change from character to character shows such versatility. Each role has a different voice and a different physicality. You’d think she’s three different actors. Haley gives a fabulous ballad as Karessa and her voice is just angelic, keeping audiences entranced at every note.
Brett Reel plays Michael, Jon’s best friend who has given up his dream of acting for a high paying marketing job. This character takes a high level of comedic timing and emotional maturity, and Reel did it perfectly. The way he balanced humor and vulnerability takes skill. Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of Reel’s work from behind the scenes or on a page, but he shows he can do it all in this industry.
One cool thing about this show is that before each show, there is a local act performing a pre-show set! Friday features The Dodges, Saturday features Black Guy Fawkes, and Sunday features Taber Robinette. So not only do you get to see an amazing theatrical production, but you also get your ears blessed by great music beforehand!
If you find yourself in the Cumberland area this weekend, you should absolutely come and see this show. Not only is it a fabulous show, it also supports a great cause.
Tick, Tick… Boom! Runs THIS WEEKEND ONLY at the Loft 129 located at 129 Baltimore St. Cumberland, MD. Today (Friday), Saturday, and Sunday at 8pm. Be aware this show has adult themes and language. Tickets are sold at https://actingoutforgood.ticketbud.com/
