Sextet Montage
Tick, Tick... Boom! (Musical)
The Glitz and Glamour of Fame: A Satirical Take
The song "Sextet Montage" from the musical *Tick, Tick... Boom!* offers a satirical and critical look at the superficiality and obsession with fame in modern society. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a glamorous event, the 31st annual face awards presentation ceremony, where the color scheme is meticulously planned, and the drug of choice is the kilowatt, symbolizing the electrifying allure of fame and attention. The repeated emphasis on the adjective 'fun' highlights the forced and artificial nature of the event, where appearances and social status are paramount.
The song delves into the absurdity of celebrity culture, where even the smallest details, such as hair and face, are celebrated and awarded. The character Studd Star's nominations for 'face of the year' and 'best hair' underscore the triviality of the accolades being given. The presence of agents and the preparation of speeches for photo opportunities further emphasize the performative aspect of fame, where genuine talent and substance take a backseat to image and spectacle.
The recurring line, "Everyone who ever has or ever will be anyone will be there," serves as a biting commentary on the exclusivity and elitism of such events. It suggests that one's worth and identity are tied to their presence at these high-profile gatherings. The song's portrayal of the event as the 'quintessential social adventure' and 'the event of the century' mocks the hyperbolic language often used to describe celebrity events, highlighting the ridiculousness of placing such importance on them. The mention of the event being broadcast 'live via satellite in color' and the '18-hour function with commercial interruption' further critiques the commercialization and commodification of fame.
Overall, "Sextet Montage" uses humor and exaggeration to critique the shallow nature of celebrity culture, where appearances and social status are valued over genuine talent and substance. The song serves as a reminder of the fleeting and often hollow nature of fame, urging listeners to look beyond the glitz and glamour to find true meaning and fulfillment in life.
