Tag Archives: libretto

Arachnophonia: tick, tick … BOOM!

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Marissa (class of 2025) and features the complete book and lyrics of Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick … BOOM!. Thanks, Marissa!

tick, tick … BOOM!

Jonathan Larson with script consultant David Auburn

tick tick boom complete book and lyrics

Known for his phenomenal Broadway show Rent, Jonathan Larson was a musical genius of the 80s and 90s. Recently popularized by Netflix in the film tick, tick… BOOM! starring Andrew Garfield, this musical tells the tale of Jonathan Larson’s trials and tribulations as an almost 30-year-old musical writer in New York City (before the creation of Rent). Although Larson sadly passed away before he could see Rent’s Broadway debut, his impact on the world of music will never be forgotten.

Tick, Tick– Boom! by Jonathan Larson and Script Consultant David Auburn is a look into the mind of Jonathan Larson, including the lyrics and music to his lesser known, Off-Broadway show Tick, Tick… Boom!. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the world of Jonathan Larson before Rent. This book is available now at the Parsons Music Library, along with a wide selection of other musical hits.

Arachnophonia: The Sound of Music

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student worker Emma A. (class of 2021) and features the libretto for the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music. Thanks, Emma!

The Sound of Music: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical

I’ve chosen to discuss the libretto for The Sound of Music. Growing up this movie, play, and its music were quintessential to my after-school evenings and my sister’s love for the music. She was Maria in our school’s production of this show which inspired my own love for the drama club years later. We would watch this movie over and over until we knew every word and could sing along perfectly. They are very happy memories that I share with my sister; and the rest of my family and I will always enjoy listening to and watching The Sound of Music no matter how many times we’ve done it before.

I love how some of the songs are so intricate and over-the-top (“The Lonely Goatherd”) and some are so sweetly written and simple (“My Favorite Things”). No matter which song from the show you’re playing, they are all different — no two sound the same. Some Broadway shows can be very repetitive and over the course of three hours song after song can become boring, but that was never the case for me with The Sound of Music. In addition, the talent that you need to sing some of the songs is amazing. That’s not to say anyone can’t sing along, but to sing them well requires some major pipes. My sister had this talent and seeing her perform our favorite show was one of the moments she truly knew that music and singing would be her life’s passion.

I think that watching, or even just listening to, The Sound of Music is a must for everyone, even if you’re not into musicals. The story line is so captivating and the music is beautiful. If you’ve never seen it before give it a try! If you’re feeling so inclined after, take out this book and learn some of the songs too!

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