Meet the Cast of 9 Works Theatrical’s tick, tick…BOOM!

tick, tick…BOOM! restaging to star Jef Flores and Khalil Ramos

Jonathan Larson’s rock monologue comes alive once more!

9 Works Theatrical (9WT), one of the Philippines’ premier production companies, is reopening its theater doors after a three-year hiatus with a restaging of Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick…BOOM! After a successful run in 2016, and hot on the heels of the critically-acclaimed Netflix adaptation, 9WT has chosen Larson’s rock monologue as its comeback production. Theater fans and even film enthusiasts couldn’t be more excited!

tick, tick… BOOM!  follows the story of Jon, a struggling musical composer who is turning 30 but has yet to make his mark. Uncertain if pursuing his artistic ambitions is worth the struggle, he navigates life by composing musicals while juggling his relationship with his girlfriend, Susan. Susan—a dancer, who teaches ballet to “wealthy and untalented children”—experiences the same artistic/existential crisis, and longs to move out of New York to find a more stable and secure future. The show also introduces Michael, Jon’s best friend, an erstwhile actor who has chosen to pursue a more lucrative path as a marketing executive. 

The tick, tick…BOOM! Cast

Jef Flores and Khalil Ramos as Jon

 

The multi-awarded actor Jef Flores will be reprising his role as Jon. Some of his notable productions include Disney’s Newsies and Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! He was awarded the Philstage Gawad Buhay Best Actor for his performance in a dramatic play (This is Our Youth) and for his lead performance in a musical (tick, tick…BOOM!). Uncannily enough, Jef (much like Jon) is also a musical composer, who currently writes dance music for Galaw.Co Dance Theater.

Alternating for the role of Jon is GMA actor and personality Khalil Ramos. Khalil has numerous TV and film credits under his belt, some of which have garnered local and international acclaim (2 Cool 2 Be Forgotten, Liway, LSS, Maria Clara at Ibarra and more). As a photographer, aspiring film director, and content creator, Khalil’s creative spirit is the perfect match to Jon’s. Khalil’s loyal fans and followers are looking forward to his first-ever foray into theater. 

Tanya Manalang and Kayla Rivera as Susan

 

Yet another returning cast member is Tanya Manalang, who first played Susan in 9WT’s 2016 production of tick, tick…BOOM! Manalang is thrilled to be reprising her role as she revisits the show and role as a full-fledged adult and married woman. This award-winning actress made the country proud when she was handpicked to play the role of Kim in Cameron Mackintosh’s critically-acclaimed West End production of Miss Saigon. She also recently made waves with her outstanding performances in Rak of Aegis, All Out of Love, Ang Huling El Bimbo, among other notable performances. 

Alternating with Manalang for the role of Susan is Kayla Rivera, a TV and musical theater performer, radio DJ, recording artist, host, and model. The list goes on! Rivera is a formidable singer with powerhouse vocals, having bagged top spots in competitions such as David Foster’s Star Search and ABS-CBN’s Star Power. Kayla was also recently awarded Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her work in Joseph the Dreamer. 

Vien King and Reb Atadero as Michael

 

For two straight years, Vien King was hailed as the Best Actor in a Musical by the LEAF Awards (2019) and the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards (2020). King is also a commercial model, international performer, TV and film actor. He was also among the handful of artists who were chosen to be part of the recently concluded Disney in Concert: Live Your Dream in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Reb Atadero is one of the most sought-after theater actors of his generation. Atadero is also a phenomenal singer, host, voice actor, director, and content creator. A Philstage Gawad Buhay Nominee for multiple categories: Best Lead Actor in a Musical (Ang Huling El Bimbo), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), and Best Lead Actor in A Play (The Graduate). Most recently seen in Sandbox Fest 2023’s Lungs, Atadero has truly made his mark and dent in the industry. 

Excited to see the chemistry and dynamics among the cast members in this 3-person musical? You’re in luck. For this highly-anticipated run, Director Robbie Guevara and team won’t be having fixed sets of actors. Instead, the actors will be mixed and matched each show, making every experience fresh and unique.

tick, tick…BOOM! is directed by Robbie Guevara, with Daniel Bartolome as musical director, JM Cabling as choreographer, Mio Infante as scenographer, Shakira Villa-Symes as lighting designer, Bam Tiongson as Sound Designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer, Marlito Ambrocio as technical director, Ian Cartalaba as costume supervisor, and JV Rabano as photographer.

Heading the production team is executive producer Santi Santamaria, with Anna Santamaria as operations & finance director, Charyl de Guzman as production manager, Jonjon Martin as PR manager, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, and Arma Bonilla as stage manager.

Tickets are selling out fast! 

tick, tick…BOOM! will be showing all weekends of August 2023 at 3:00pm & 7:30pm on Saturdays & Sundays, at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati. Tickets are now available via ticket2me.net. Grab yours while you can!

For partnerships & show buying inquiries, you may reach us via info@9workstheatrical.com, 7586 7105 or 0917 554 5560. 

For updates, follow us on FB & YouTube (@9WorksTheatrical), Twitter, Instagram & TikTok (@9WTonline).

 #ticktickBOOMmnl #9WorksTheatrical 

tick, tick…BOOM! is brought to you by 9 Works Theatrical, together with CNN Philippines and BroadwayWorld as official media partners, H&M as official clothing partner, and Make-up designory as official make-up partner.

tick, tick…BOOM! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).