Lin-Manuel Miranda Making Directorial Debut With ‘Tick, Tick…Boom!’
Starting out creating theater phenomenons, Lin-Manuel Miranda is now set to make his feature directorial debut with Tick, Tick…Boom!, based on the autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the late playwright behind the hit musical Rent. Miranda previously starred in an off-Broadway production of Tick, Tick…Boom! in 2014.
Tony-winning playwright Steven Levenson is writing the screen adaptation. Miranda will produce alongside Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, and Julie Oh at Imagine Entertainment. Larson’s sister Julie will also serve as executive producer.
Miranda has five companies performing Hamilton right now, and is reprising the title role — for the first time since Broadway — for three weeks in Puerto Rico to benefit Hurricane Maria relief efforts.
Miranda said in a statement, “Tick, Tick…Boom! first entered my life in college when I was lucky enough to snag a seat at the Jane Street Theater in 2001. Jonathan Larson’s captivating storytelling in Rent first taught me that musicals could be contemporary, true to life, and depict your own experiences. But it was Tick, Tick…Boom! that solidified that drive in me to hone my own voice as a playwright. On stage, playing the role of Jon in 2014 was one of my most honored achievements. To now have the opportunity to make my film directorial debut, in collaboration with the Larson Family and this incredible creative team, and to adapt a work I love so deeply, is a humbling privilege. Together, we aim to honor Jonathan’s legacy and continue to position his work to inspire the next generation of storytellers.”
Set in 1990, Tick, Tick…Boom! tells the story of Jon, an aspiring theater composer who is waiting tables in New York City while writing Superbia — which he hopes will be the next great American musical and finally give him his big break. Jon is also feeling pressure from his girlfriend Susan, who is tired of continuing to put her life on hold for Jon’s career aspirations. Meanwhile, his best friend and roommate Michael has given up on his creative aspirations for a high-paying advertising job on Madison Avenue and is about to move out. As Jon approaches his 30th birthday, he is overcome with anxiety – wondering if his dream is worth the cost.
Miranda can next be seen in Mary Poppins Returns as Jack, alongside Emily Blunt as the titular character.
Are you excited to see Lin-Manuel Miranda direct his first film? Let us know down in the comments!
Source: Variety
