Rick Miller is a one-man theatrical machine dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind artistic experiences that leave audiences with an experience they won’t soon forget, such as his highly acclaimed MacHomer. He has been called one of the 100 most creative people alive today. His latest show, Boom, premieres at the Panasonic Theatre this month, running Jan. 15 to Feb. 1, www.mirvish.com.

So just what is Boom?
Boom is a solo show that tries to capture the defining moment of the baby boomer generation. The show covers 1945 to 1969, and it’s billed as one man, 25 years, 100 voices. I play a whole bunch of different characters and give a sense of what that era is, through music, politics and culture.

What has been the most challenging aspect of the show?
Physically, I go through a lot of voices, from Perry Como to Janice Joplin, which is a real leap, but the hardest part was really the editing. After a year’s research, all the ads and the songs and the voices, what stories do I focus on? What do I not say? You could do an entire play on one Martin Luther King speech. 

And there is an entire online educational component to complement the show as well?
There is an educational side that exists online, for younger people especially. History is taught in a certain way, but it is difficult to bring to life as a teacher in the educational system. I want to extend the experience before and after the play to a whole online world. And it ties into all our other shows as well in an educational literacy campaign.

What is it with you and solo shows? Do you not play well with others?
There is something I always find rewarding about solo shows: the ability to take people on a ride you are more or less in control of. All eyes are on you and what you create onstage. Sometimes it can amaze people, when you are doing something they can’t do, and there is a little bit of a sense of wonder, something you just can’t get on the screen. If you can pull that off, then you’ve done something. You might not change their lives, but you’ll give them an experience they won’t forget.

For more information about Boom, go to www.boomshow.ca.