Prodigal.

Prodigal.
Bryant & Frank Productions. Midsumma Festival 2011. Written by Matthew Frank and Dean Bryant. Directed by Dean Bryant. fortyfive downstairs. January 19 - January 28, 2011.

Opening night was a rare moment of Australian musical theatre history. Eleven years after Prodigal had its world premiere at Midsumma, it has returned, directed by one of its writers, who was also one of the original actors. Since then it has been produced off-Broadway — the first Australian musical ever produced in New York City.

Luke (Ed Grey) has been groomed to run his father's fishing business. Instead, he flees to study in Sydney. Like any gay country boy introduced to that city, he finds the experience mind-altering.

This is one of those rare productions where everything is perfect: the direction, the acting, the lighting, the set design.

From the moment Maddy (Christina O'Neill) reveals her crush on Luke and he comes out to her, you'll be in tears. But the sadness is punctuated with humor.

While all the cast have excellent comedic timing, O'Neill's is impeccable. Toward the start, she delivers a throwaway line executed so well that it takes your breath away and you need to recover before you're able to laugh.

Adam Rennie's performances as Luke's brother Kane and as his boyfriend Zach are astonishing. Kane is a rugged straight boy, while Zach is a paper faggot. The first time Zach came on stage, it took me a moment to realise it was the same actor.

Likewise, Grey's performance as Luke also pushes his character through a convincing metamorphosis — from naive country boy when he arrives in Sydney to drugged-up queen squandering "his estate in foolish living".

Luke's mother Celia (Anne Wood) delivers the emotional highpoint when she performs "Love Them and Leave Them Alone" after Harry (Peter Hardy) has kicked their son out of home. A close second is Kane's confession to Harry.

This is by far the best of Midsumma 2011 and it's set the standard so high that it will be tough for anything to rival it. Tickets are selling fast and you will regret it if you miss it.

Daniel G Taylor

Images - From Top

Christina O'Neill, Adam Rennie and Edward Grey

Adam Rennie and Edward Grey

Anne Wood and Edward Grey

Photographer: Jeff Busby.

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