In COMING OUT ON BROADWAY, Gen’s just moved to Sydney and finds herself swept up in her cousin Jack’s performance club. When Gen discovers the club meets and performs at The Jewellery Box, a LGBT + bar, she suddenly finds herself confronting her identity and her already strained relationship with her older brother, Harry.
The play sees Gen go on a journey of self love and discovery. She is able to stand up for herself and she gets to choose who she wants to hang around with and what she won’t tolerate. Accepting her sexuality is only one part of her journey.
Laura Campbell played Gen very well. She conveyed very well her character’s nervousness at the changes that she is going through and how she is going to try and make her own way in the world.
Lilly Aggio played Gen’s love interest Mel. Aggio played her as a gentle, patient, kindly love interest.
Jon Vontolken played Gen’s protective older brother, Harry. He was well cast in this role, conveying his character’s earnestness.
Anthony Ghosn played the very affable Angus who everyone got on with.
Collette Estelle did well in playing the non -binary character Jules who is Jack’s love interest. Jules runs the bar that the other characters mill around. Jules always make people feel comfortable and has a smile for everyone.
Jules isn’t sure about the relationship with Jack and whether it will work out. Jules sings a poignant song about the doubts, but at least will give things a go.
I really enjoyed the performance of Larissa Turton as Jack. Right from the start she is a positive, vibrant and luminous presence on stage She knows that Gen is struggling with the changes she is going through, leaving her protective country environment and trying to cope with the big city life, and encourages her and tries to deftly get her out of her shell.
Verdict. This was a warm, feel good musical which can easily be enjoyed by theatre lovers. A work in progress this musical definitely has potential. The songs and lyrics were by Amelia Gilday and the music by Nicholas Cavanagh. The performances and pacing were good, the tunes were catchy, the scenes were well crafted, and the play was well structured with a fine ending.
COMING OUT ON BROADWAY plays at the Emerging Artist Sharehouse : The Living Room at Erskineville Town Hall until Saturday 28th September, 2019.
Featured image : Larissa . Turton and Jack Anthony Ghosn in ‘Coming Out On Broadway’