A warm and winning performance by writer/performer Adriano Cappelletta makes his autobiographical cabaret, This Boy’s In Love, a late night delight at The Old Fitzroy.Hard to imagine in the current climate of positive change to the promotion of same gender marriage but a mere thirty years ago while growing up in suburban Perth, “Ado” had no gay role models in mainstream media, all homosexual characters depicted as drag queens, drug addicts or sad deviants.
There wasn’t much gaiety in the presentation of gay, with the Grim Reaper ads casting a fearful pall, and romantic love sublimated by promiscuous sex, disease, and violence.
With a tincture of turmoil for dramatic conflict effect and not a mo in sight, Cappelletta and his collaborators have succeeded in creating a gay love story that is bright and brims with broad appeal.
This Boy’s In Love is Cappelletta’s lyrical letter to cupid, rectifying the remiss of rom coms playing it so straight for so long. It’s a reclamation of romance and love and acceptance.
It’s a big gay love story packed into a tight hour of comedy, clowning, songs and dance.
Cappelletta is accompanied by keyboardist Daryl Wallis, who also intermittently acts as straight man (?) and sounding board, while Bill Lloyd on violin bows and frets us to the finale.
Head of movement at Ado’s alma mater, NIDA, Julia Cotton is credited as movement consultant and the disco dance moves are entertainingly and energetically bustin’.
Directed by fellow NIDA grad Johann Walraven, with stage management and technical operation by Genevieve Muratore, This Boy’s In Love is a cheering nightcap, a charming, non-confronting cabaret that fits snugly into the intimate environs of the Old Fitzroy.
THIS BOY'S IN LOVE
by Adriano Cappelletta
Directed by Johann Walraven
Venue: The Old Fitz | 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo NSW
Dates: May 26 – 31, 2015
Times: Tues – Sat 9:30pm, Sun 7:30pm
Tickets: $22
Bookings: www.oldfitztheatre.com/this-boys-in-love
