History
Written in 1986 by Daniel Abineri it premiered in Melbourne in 1989 and featured Russell Crowe in the title role. Bad Boy Johnny enjoyed a six-month run in Melbourne and Sydney, won two International Pater Awards for best libretto and score, and spawned a cast album on WEA and a top ten single "Enemy The Sun". The late Australian pop singer Troy Newman who took over the title role, is heard on the official cast album and single in place of Russell Crowe.
In April 1993 a showcase performance of the musical, directed by Daniel Abineri was performed at Jacksons Lane Community Theatre N6. Performing in the cast were 80s pop band Then Jerico singer Mark Shaw in the title role, Daniel Abineri as Father McLean with Elizabeth Carling from TV's drama series Boon, Sebastian Abineri as Pope Liberty III,Jody Saron as desire and Cathy Murphy and Matt Selby in supporting roles.
On 26 January 1994 Bad Boy Johnny was re-mounted as a five week limited showcase run at The Union Chapel in Islington London, again directed by Daniel Abineri and starring Craig Ferguson and Mark Shaw it also featured Cornel John as Charlie Fortune, Anna Jacysaon as Mary, Eve Barker as Desire, Stephen Marcus as Pope Liberty, and Sandra Bee, Perry Benson, Louisa Casano, Mark Frost, Daniel Kyle and Louise Anne Wesley as the ensemble.
The production became a cause celebre and made front page news when an order of irate nuns, the London arm of Opus Dei, The Daily Telegraph theatre critic Charles Spencer and the Church Council of Great Britain complained that it was "offensive and blasphemous". After the intervention of the Church Council the production closed down after nine performances. In spring 2010 a new production of the show toured throughout the UK. A new UK production is being planned for 2012.
Read more about this topic: Bad Boy Johnny And The Prophets Of Doom
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