Sentimental Garbage - Episode: "Tick, Tick... Boom!"

Host: Caroline O'Donoghue
Guest: Kate Young
Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Sentimental Garbage, host Caroline O'Donoghue engages in a deep and introspective conversation with her guest, Kate Young, about the recently released film adaptation of "Tick, Tick... Boom!" Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film explores the tumultuous journey of Jonathan Larson, the creator of the iconic musical "Rent." Both Caroline and Kate delve into their personal reactions to the film, its portrayal of artistic struggle, and the broader cultural implications surrounding storytelling and creative perseverance.

Overview of "Tick, Tick... Boom!"

Kate Young provides a comprehensive synopsis of "Tick, Tick... Boom!" highlighting that it is a semi-autobiographical stage show by Jonathan Larson, renowned for "Rent." The narrative centers around Larson at the age of 30, grappling with the decision to either continue his passion for creating art or succumb to the pressures of a conventional career in advertising. The film juxtaposes Larson's attempts to produce his ambitious musical "Superbia" with his work at the Moondance Diner, emblematic of his struggle to sustain his creative dreams while maintaining financial stability.

Notable Quote:

"The story is essentially him at 30, going, do I go and do something else or do I commit to this show and do I make this piece of art?"
— Caroline O'Donoghue [04:06]

Critical Analysis of the Film vs. Stage Show

Caroline expresses her initial discomfort with the film, noting that while she appreciated the songs and Andrew Garfield's performance, certain elements felt confrontational to her as a creative professional. Kate counters by emphasizing the film's sincerity and the authenticity Andrew Garfield brings to the portrayal of Larson. They discuss the narrative structure, where significant events in Larson's life, including the success of "Rent" and his untimely death, remain off-screen, focusing instead on the immediate creative and personal dilemmas he faces.

Notable Quote:

"I don't believe the song because it's like, I don't think you were ever going to give up."
— Caroline O'Donoghue [16:50]

Personal Reflections on Creativity and Career Struggles

Both hosts draw parallels between Larson's artistic journey and their own experiences in creative fields. Caroline shares her challenges with publishing her second book, despite previous successes, underscoring the unpredictability and relentless demands of creative work. Kate relates by recounting her struggles in the theater industry, emphasizing the emotional toll of creative rejection and the societal pressures to conform to stable career paths.

Notable Quote:

"The only thing you can expect from your work, you cannot expect it to write or cash checks for you."
— Caroline O'Donoghue [12:54]

Social and Systemic Issues in Storytelling and Art

The conversation shifts to the systemic barriers in the arts, particularly regarding who gets to tell certain stories. Caroline critiques Jonathan Larson, a straight white man, for representing marginalized communities during the AIDS epidemic, discussing the complexities of privilege in storytelling. They acknowledge the broader issue within musical theater and other art forms where the most affected voices often lack the platforms to share their narratives authentically.

Notable Quote:

"It's a systemic problem of who gets to tell stories and who has the privilege to do that."
— Kate Young [22:28]

Comparison with Other Works

Caroline and Kate compare "Tick, Tick... Boom!" with other musicals like "West Side Story" and the Tolkien biopic starring Nicholas Hoult. They explore how these works remain relevant by encapsulating timeless themes through their music and storytelling, despite evolving societal contexts. The discussion highlights the challenge of making a 1990s story resonate with contemporary audiences, particularly regarding Larson's rigid dichotomy between artistic integrity and commercial success.

Notable Quote:

"Tick, Tick... Boom! is such a 90s piece of work. [...] very much like, fly too close to the sun because you must be sincere."
— Kate Young [39:28]

Sincerity vs. Whimsy in Musicals

Kate Young elaborates on the role of sincerity in musicals, contrasting it with whimsy. She appreciates the genuine emotion Andrew Garfield brings to Larson's character, making the film resonate despite its sometimes whimsical elements. The hosts discuss the balance between heartfelt storytelling and theatrical extravagance, emphasizing that sincerity can make or break the impact of a musical.

Notable Quote:

"Andrew Garfield in this is incredibly sincere. It's so many sincere men in a way that I just don't think you always see."
— Kate Young [65:49]

Age Milestones and Life Choices

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reflections on turning 30 and beyond. Caroline shares her personal anxieties about career progression and life milestones, such as starting a family. Kate discusses her decision to remain childfree, highlighting the societal pressures and personal freedom associated with such choices. Their dialogue underscores the intersection of age, creativity, and personal fulfillment.

Notable Quote:

"I have to write something else because I think that's what writing is. Like, you just have to sit down and write the next thing."
— Kate Young [35:26]

Concluding Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, Caroline and Kate acknowledge the depth and complexity of "Tick, Tick... Boom!" while expressing differing personal reactions to the film. They appreciate its sincere portrayal of artistic struggle, even if its narrative choices don't entirely resonate with them. The episode concludes with mutual appreciation for each other's perspectives and the shared challenges faced by creatives in balancing passion with practicality.

Notable Quote:

"I love this conversation so much. Like, you want the movies growing on me because [...] it's the most beautiful and practical thing."
— Caroline O'Donoghue [86:12]

Key Takeaways

• Artistic Perseverance: The film underscores the relentless pursuit of creative dreams amidst societal and personal pressures.

• Systemic Barriers: There is a critical examination of who gets to tell certain stories, highlighting issues of privilege and representation in the arts.

• Sincerity in Storytelling: Genuine emotion and sincerity are pivotal in making musicals resonate, even when thematic elements are whimsical.

• Life Choices and Creativity: Balancing personal life milestones with creative ambitions presents unique challenges, particularly as individuals age and their priorities evolve.

Recommended Viewing

Both hosts highly recommend watching "Tick, Tick... Boom!" for its heartfelt depiction of the creative struggle and Andrew Garfield's compelling performance. Despite their mixed feelings, they acknowledge the film's emotional sincerity and its ability to provoke meaningful conversations about art, life choices, and personal fulfillment.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Sentimental Garbage. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions on the cultural phenomena that we love yet are often made to feel ashamed of.