Theatre Horizon’s upcoming production of tick, tick…BOOM!, composed by the late Jonathan Larson (the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning composer of Rent) features a star-studded cast of actors from the Philadelphia area. Elena Camp, a Montgomery County native, returns to the Theatre Horizon stage for the first time since her 2008 performance as Rosie in the teen production of Really Rosie. Since then, she has been seen in the 1st national tour of My Fair Lady and in regional productions like Ragtime, Man of La Mancha, Jesus Christ Superstar, Company and more.
In my interview, Camp talks about her previous experiences at Theatre Horizon on stage and behind the scenes, what it’s like to play 13 characters in tick, tick…BOOM, and why this autobiographical musical about Jonathan Larson’s life is so relatable for everyone.
tick, tick…BOOM runs from April 4th to 14th at Theatre Horizon in Norristown. Tickets are currently on sale at theatrehorizon.org, or by calling 610-283-2230, extension 1.
Q: You grew up in Montgomery County- what are some of your earliest theatre memories in this area?
A: My first theater experiences, aside from those at Upper Merion Middle and High School, involved Theatre Horizon! Co-Founders Matthew Decker and Erin Reilly introduced me to so many aspects of theater arts: house management, stage management, assistant direction, spot operation, teaching artistry, and performance as a teen in my first professional production as Frieda in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Upper Merion Township Building gazebo in 2006.
Q: At Theatre Horizon, you’ve been a part of many productions on stage and behind the scenes. How does it feel to be back?
A: It feels incredible to be involved in a Theatre Horizon production from the actor’s perspective, especially after all these years. I’ve seen the inner workings of the space and been involved behind the scenes, but it was all over a decade ago! The theater has evolved so much, and it’s amazing to have all sorts of memories rush back while also appreciating the theater’s evolution and expansion over the years.
Q: For anyone unfamiliar with the story, can you tell us a bit about tick, tick…BOOM and your role in the musical?
A: tick, tick… BOOM! is an autobiographical musical about Jonathan Larson’s gritty perseverance as a musical theater composer and the struggles that inherently tag along on that journey. Jonathan describes throughout the show what it’s like to hear that nagging ticking clock when you don’t feel like you’re where you’re supposed to be, a feeling to which so many of us can relate. Susan is his girlfriend of two years who loves him very much but desires more of his attention, especially while she’s navigating her own ticking clock. I love playing Susan, a strong woman and an artist in her own right who has her own dreams and longings. In addition to Susan, I play 12 other characters – some with only one line and others with full scenes – who all have an impact on Jon’s life. It’s been a dream to explore so many different characters in such a supportive room led by our masterful co-directors, Steve Pacek and Robi Hager, and alongside Robi and the brilliant Angel Sigala.
Q: Why did you want to be a part of this show?
A: This TEAM. I have worked with both Steve Pacek and Robi Hager on several other projects over the years, and I would work with them on any and every project. Everything they touch turns to gold. They are magic, both as humans and artists, and to envelop myself in that magic is an opportunity that lights me up every time.
Q: In what ways have co-directors Robi Hager and Steve Pacek re-imagined this story for the Theatre Horizon stage?
A: Our telling of this story is a beautiful homage to the original production with a nod to the 2021 film version. Hager and Pacek started by removing all the bells and whistles, reading as a cast through the libretto on our first day of rehearsal (including lyrics without music) and uncovered what’s at the heart of Jonathan Larson’s words: a powerful story he tells on a stage with the help of two friends and a band. We’re doing exactly that, but sometimes we enter Jon’s brain and play scenes fully, with props, costumes, blocking, and maybe even a little choreo.
Q: Do you have a favorite moment, line or song in the show?
A: This role is a dream for an actor. I get to play over 10 different characters, a kind of exploration that’s always a pleasure, but since this story is autobiographical, we get to investigate these characters as Jon sees them in his brain. There’s a special kind of freedom in playing through that lens, and I’m having a blast. One of my favorite moments in the show is when I get to play 7 of my 13 characters all on just one page of the script.
Q: Why should area theatre fans come see tick, tick…BOOM?
A: Have you ever felt behind in life? Have you struggled with the pressures of a timeline? A deadline? Have you dreamed of making a difference in the world? Have you ever just had a good time with your friends? If so, this show is for you. Time, love, fear, friendship, self doubt, perseverance… there are so many important themes highlighted in this story, and we encourage you to join us and find out exactly what this show means to you. There’s something for everyone. We hope to see you there.
Brenda on Broad 
Leave a comment