Tick Tick... Boom! Cast

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 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 (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 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!

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.

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 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 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 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.