Tick, tick...boom! CAST & Crew
Adam Chwalik
**JON**
Adam Chwalik is thrilled to be portraying the role of Jonathan Larson in Rise Up Theatre Company’s production of tick, tick… BOOM! They performed once before with Rise Up, being lucky enough to play Nicky in their 2023 production of Avenue Q. They’ve also gotten in with a few other theatre companies, making it likely you’ve seen them around already! From The Three Musketeers at Green Valley Theatre Company to In the Heights at Sacramento State University, Adam has been a part of many of the ensembles Sacramento is host to. They also perform semi-regularly in Green Valley’s VerteFée Cabaret. They started doing theatre in high school, and after a brief reprieve following high school graduation, they got their second start at Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College in the college’s 2018 production of Hair, where they met their loving partner Christina Martinez. Adam is beyond ecstatic to be performing opposite his partner in a show they both love, and they hope you enjoy the show.
Christina Martinez
**SUSAN**
Christina Martinez is thrilled to be back at Rise Up Theatre Company for Tick, Tick.. BOOM! Christina has been performing around the Sacramento community theater scene for the past 10 years. She was previously seen in Rise Up's production of Avenue Q (Kate Monster). Other favorite past shows include: The Prom, Hair, The Rocky Horror Show, Legally Blonde, and White Christmas. Christina would like to thank her partner Adam for his immense love and support. Endless thanks to the cast and production team who made this show possible, especially our fearless leader Courtney, and to YOU for supporting local live theater!
aspen rains
**MICHAEL**
Aspen Rains (they/he) is thrilled to make their Rise Up debut as Micheal in this production of tick, tick… BOOM! After Rise Up’s production of Assassins in the summer of 2023 helped inspire Aspen to start performing, they were excited to hear that Rise Up would be putting on another show again after a 2 year hiatus. This is his second summer back at the Ooley, and is so grateful to be sharing the experience with new and returning friends. Some of his favorite roles so far have included performing various numbers in Hummingbird Theatre Company’s Music Hall Spectaculaire, featured ensemble member and universal swing in Rock of Ages with Hummingbird as well, and Kurt Kelly in Heathers with EMH productions in the Ooley. Thanks to his roommate Jarod for always taking time for the post work/rehearsal debrief, to Danielle for helping with audition prep and picking songs for the Music Hall Spectaculaire that helped make him look really good when the tick, tick…BOOM! creative team members came to see it, to Sarah for helping with self-costuming, to their top surgeon Dr Karly Kaplan, and all other friends and loved ones but especially the ones who congratulated him on this role without having to tell them. They’ve had a blast working with this cast and creative team, and hope that you have as much fun in the audience as the cast is having onstage!
Taylor Quist
**KARESSA**
Taylor is thrilled to be a part of her first production with Rise Up Theater Company. She is a passionate performer who most recently stepped into the habit of Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act at Davis Musical Theater Company. Audiences also saw her tap her way through the golden age of Broadway as Lorraine in 42nd Street, and bring life to beloved classics in the ensemble of My Fair Lady and Jekyll and Hyde.
She is endlessly grateful for the opportunity to do what she loves and to share the stage with such incredible artists.
A big thank you to her family and friends for believing in her and to the team at Rise Up for giving her this opportunity!
Caleb Jackson
**ENSEMBLE**
Hello! Im 20 years old and have been doing theatre for 8 years now starting freshman year of high school. I’ve played Ensemble in The Lion King, West Side Story, Heathers and now Tick Tick Boom. Featured roles include Mike Teavee (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) Lumiere (Beauty and The Beast), Buddy(Elf), Mercutio (Romeo and Juliet), Leaf Coney Bear (25th annual) and Jack (Into the Woods). I want to thank my friends for making my daily life better and worth living. Thank you Geri Neylan for helping me get involved in such a meaningful artistic field.
Christopher Tan
**ENSEMBLE**
Chris Tan is excited to join the ensemble of tick, tick… BOOM! This marks his first time singing on stage and his debut in musical theatre.
Previous acting credits include Paul Mantz, Commander Thompson, and other roles in Amelia Earhart; Laertes in Hamlet: Paranormal Activity; Officer O’Hara and Mr. Gibbs in Arsenic and Old Lace; and Niko in the climate change-themed staged reading Degrees of Hope and Panic.
He studied acting at Studio24 and Sacramento Theatre Company and continues to explore performance as both a creative outlet and a space for collaboration.
Outside of theater, Chris is a passionate street photographer, avid reader, and enthusiastic trip planner. He frequently corrals friends for weekend getaways, handling the logistics and crafting detailed itineraries to make it all happen. He also enjoys board games, yoga, concerts and festivals, writing, and long conversations about movies.
Chris is always looking for new ways to stretch creatively and is excited to help bring this energetic, heartfelt production to life.
Veronica Flynn
**ENSEMBLE**
Veronica is overjoyed to be making her musical theatre debut in Tick, Tick… Boom! She has previously appeared on stage as Christina in Murder on the Nile (Ooley Theatre), Brandi in Horse Girls (Resurrection Theatre), and Maid in Pride and Prejudice (Freefall Stage Theatre). Veronica trains in voice-over at Studio 24, takes one-on-one acting lessons with Once Upon a Time’s Sean Maguire, and receives vocal training from Heather Waid, where she continues to develop her passion for acting and performing.
When she’s not on stage, you can find her on screen in projects including The Fultons, Anguish, Fight for Your Life, Flight, and the music video “Don’t Matter to Me”. She enjoys exploring a variety of roles across both stage and screen and looks forward to growing her craft.
Veronica is incredibly grateful to the creative team, cast, her manager Quetzalma, and her family for their constant support and can’t wait to share this story with you!
Omar E. Huerta
**ENSEMBLE**
Omar Ernesto Huerta's Theater experience first started at Woodland High and went on to get a certificate of Children's Theater at American River College. They have performed at numerous Theaters around Northern California. This is Omar’s 2nd show with Rise Up Theater! Their first show was Trekkie (right hand), from Avenue Q! Their hobbies are writing, DMing Dungeons and Dragons, and L.A.R.P.ing. He is a voice actor, and is a Paraeducator at Lee Middle School. He is currently working on becoming a English/ Musical Theater Teacher. He also loves to cook and makes a mean Quesadilla (I use Brie, Mozzarella, and Manchego cheese). Omar wants to personally thank you for coming and supporting the cast and crew of Tick, Tick...BOOM!
Honey Creer
**ENSEMBLE**
Honey is thrilled to be in their first show at Rise Up! You might have seen them previously on the stage all over the Sacramento area. She would love to thank her amazing cast and crew for their support and her wonderful family, Partner and baby Melody for motivating her.
PRODUCTION STAFF
COURTNEY CONKLIN
**DIRECTOR**
Courtney, is the founder of Rise Up Theatre Company, has a 20-year award winning history of producing, performing, directing, and distributing, both live theatrical and film productions. Courtney is Thrilled to be directing Tick, tick..BOOM! with such an unbelievably talented group of actors. She is continuously humbled and thankful for each person joining Rise Up Theatre Company, dedicating their time, energy, and talents to the growth of this company. We collectively strive to fulfill our mission of "Bringing the community together one production at a time through quality theatre and visual performing arts, with integrity, honesty, and inclusion." without each and every volunteer we would not be possible. Thank you, and ENJOY THE SHOW!
PETER DEMARZIO
**ASSISTANT DIRECTOR**
Logan sexton
**CHOREOGRAPHER**
Logan is honored to join the team of Tick, Tick, Boom! and to be working with this wonderful cast! You may have seen Logan’s work last at DMTC where she most recently choreographed The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Young Frankenstein. She would like to thank Courtney, Davis, Morgan, Peter and the entire team for their kindness and support along the way. Enjoy the show!
MORGAN BARTOE
**VOCAL DIRECTOR**
organ is grateful to be back with Rise Up Theatre Company to bring you Tick, Tick.. Boom. She was last seen with the company as Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme in Assassins and Lucy/Bad Idea Bear in Avenue Q. Morgan is also a certified vocal coach in the Sacramento area. She is elated to be able to bring her skills to the artistic team of this iconic score. She has been performing, directing, and choreographing in the Northern California region since 2015 and is happy to add vocal director to that list and get to do it with her brother by her side. She would like to thank the other parts of the artistic team for helping bring our vision to life, to the cast for lending her their voices and, most importantly, her friends and family that support her daily.
DAVIS BARTOE
**PIANIST/MUSIC DIRECTION**
Davis is beyond excited to making his music directorial debut in musical theater with Rise Up! He comes from 20 years of experience in music from performing in various musical theater orchestras, teaching students from all ages and backgrounds, and music directing for various local rock, gospel and jazz bands. To be making his director debut in musical theater with Tick Tick Boom is a dream come true. Jonathan Larson's works have been an inspiration for Davis to pursue his dreams and help others reach theirs. Davis is thrilled to work with the cast and crew of this show to bring the community together. His passion is to draw out the best from each person and is honored to showcase each of their unique gifts and talents. Without them this production would not be possible. From the bottom of his heart, Thank you for all of your time and dedication! Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
RADFORD
**PROP MASTER**
This is Radford's sixth production wrangling props, set pieces, and keeping the cast in line for Rise Up Theatre Company. Radford has been a part of the theatre and performing arts for over 20 years, enjoying producing theatrical productions (mainly with her husband, churches and friends). Radford is a whiz with her hands, and a master of details, as well a valuable, member of our team, we love you Radford!
NICK BADAL
**STAGE MANAGER**