Khalil Ramos sings his way to ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’

Khalil Ramos is the busiest he has been since coming out of the pandemic.

He opened the year playing Basilio in the hit TV series, “Maria Clara at Ibarra;” he just wrapped up shooting for a movie with director Antonette Jadaone, which will be streaming soon; and his Cinemalaya entry “As If It's True.”

As if those acting projects aren't enough, he is transcending into another medium next month: starring in his first-ever theater production.

The 27-year-old will be bringing his acting prowess and singing talent as he plays the titular character Jonathan Larson in the autobiographical musical, “tick, tick… BOOM!”

Khalil Ramos sees the role of Jon as a new challenge in his career. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Produced by 9 Works Theatrical, the local adaptation of the play follows then struggling theater composer Larson — who would later create the smash-hit musical “Rent” — reaching a crossroads in his life. Should he prioritize writing the next great musical, save his relationship with his girlfriend Susan, or follow a more stable career just like his friend Michael?

9 Works Theatrical's most recent “tick, tick… BOOM!” staging was in 2016.

In an interview with The Manila Times after a media rehearsal visit, Ramos admitted he was only made aware of the musical because of its Netflix film adaptation starring Andrew Garfield. It was released on the streaming giant in 2021.

“I'm a fan of Andrew Garfield and his works such as 'Hacksaw Ridge' and 'Spider-Man,' of course. I was surprised that he could sing really well, but what I immediately fell in love with in the movie were the songs — they were so brilliantly written, melodies were just so pleasing to the ear, and they were very relatable,” Ramos said.

Fast forward to 2023, and Ramos was offered to play the same role that Garfield played.

“It was a surprise because first, I am not a theater actor, I haven't done any musical and Jon isn't an easy character, he wouldn't even leave the stage for the duration of the play. Imagine that for my first-ever character.

“Now that we've been rehearsing, I'd say it's really challenging but so far I found it incredibly rewarding and helpful also towards my craft. I learned so many new things about acting.”

Ramos was also able to relate to his character Jon, recalling that he became contemplative at the beginning of the year.

“I was thinking, 'What else is there for me?' There were a lot of things that if you did think about, would leave you just discouraged, like how TV and film industries are struggling since 2020, I would like to think of myself mainly as a film actor.

“So this year, I told myself that I want to focus on the things that I love doing, I want to re-invigorate my passion for this craft and see where I can further grow. That's why when the opportunity came for this musical, I said yes. I want to be part of something special and I really think this production is special.”

In the end, Ramos said he realized that it pays off to follow one's passion and be open to the opportunities that will come.

“Nurturing your passion pays off. Of course, there are a lot of factors, but if you stick to your burning passion, you will flourish,” he ended.

Joining Ramos in the cast are Jef Flores (Ramos' alternate in the role); Tanya Manalang and Kayla Rivera alternating as Susan; and Vien King and Reb Atadero alternating as Michael.

Directed by Robbie Guevara, the musical opens on August 5. For tickets and other details, visit https://bit.ly/m/ticktickBOOMmnl.