News

Before The Book of Mormon there was a Mormon Boy!

The international one-man sensation Confessions of a Morman Boy returns to Australia after its successful season as part of the 2019 Sydney Mardi Gras to perform in the 2020 Midsumma Festival at Chapel off Chapel in Prahran.

Photo by Carol Rosegg

Based on original direction by legendary Tony Award-winner Jack Hofsiss (The Elephant Man) and performed by Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee and controversial LDS outcast Steven Fales, this critically acclaimed 90-minute solo play has educated and entertained audiences across the US and around the world and has been awarded numerous “Critics Choice” awards in many countries.

Ahead of its time for its “unflinching honesty” (Salt Lake Tribune), Confessions of a Mormon Boy is the inspiring true story about how one troubled young dad first learned to wake up and grow up—and kept learning. An emotional rollercoaster of extremes—from perfect Mormon boy in Utah to perfect rent boy in Manhattan—”Oxy-Mormon” storyteller Steven Fales discovers an imperfect middle ground in this reclamation saga about what it means to finally come home.

Told with humour, song, and The Book of Mormon, this life-affirming, transformational tale about how a sixth-generation Latter Gay Saint attempts to reclaim his two kids and Donny Osmond Smile “will leave you breathless” (San Diego Union-Tribune). 

Photo by Dorothy Shi

Defying respectability politics, the adult themes in Confessions of a Mormon Boy include spiritual abuse/religious violence in the form of ex-communication; Reparative “Conversion” Therapy and the Ex-Gay Movement; HIV/AIDS; mixed-orientation marriages; drug abuse/”chemsex”/crystal methamphetamine; prostitution/sex work/human trafficking; recovery/spirituality; family and legacy; divorce; child custody/support; family law; parenthood and parental alienation; non-traditional families; father/son themes, cult detox, and much more pertaining to Mormon Americana . . . and musical theatre!

Aside from the themes the play touches on, this solo play is Steven Fales’s initial manifesto of personal transformation. “I am constantly measuring my personal offstage life by what I declare onstage”, says Fales.

“As moving as it is funny.”—Howard Kissel, New York Daily News

“What a rare and skilful thing is Steven Fales’ engrossing, funny, and often quite harrowing tale.”—Kevin Nance, Chicago Sun-Times

“Uncommonly powerful. Staying away would be a mistake”—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“The story couldn’t be more timely.”—Robert Hurwitt, San Francisco Chronicle

“Compelling confessional theatre. Fales knows how to sell it.”—Jason Zinoman, New York Times;

“Five Stars.”—Gay Times Magazine (UK)


The Loft, Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran 

7 February 2020- 8pm
8 February 2020- 2pm & 8pm
9 February 2020- 1pm & 5pm

Ticket bookings: chapeloffchapel.com.au 

Peter J Snee

Peter is a British born creative, working in the live entertainment industry. He holds an honours degree in Performing Arts and has over 12 years combined work experience in producing, directing and managing artistic programs & events. Peter has traversed the UK, Europe and Australia pursuing his interest in theatre. He is inspired by great stories and passionately driven by pursuing opportunities to tell them.

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