BEAU: THE MUSICAL - Distillery at St. Luke's (07/11/25)

Muddled but meaningful new musical challenges our perceptions of sexuality and psychology

-----

It is remarkable, and thoroughly disheartening, to know that in this day and age, there still exists such stigma regarding being your most authentic self, without fear of condemnation or ridicule; this is especially true when it comes to getting by in school, an environment where conforming to the status quo and trying to fit in are seen as being of paramount importance, and then of course factoring in the less than progressive attitudes characteristic of American southern states surely compounds the challenges faced by young members of the LGBTQ+ community.

It's this sense of animosity experienced by our main protagonist, a young queer man called Ace Baker struggling to come to terms with his own identity and sense of self worth, that is the main focus of "Beau". Ace addresses us in the setting of a music gig in a bar, making the storytelling come across as authentic, and us feel like we're bearing witness to a man baring his soul, warts and all. Because of the unpolished nature of the direction and scenic design (by Josh Rhodes and Daniel Allen respectively), as well as the intimacy of the performance space, and the use of an actor-musician cast, the production has a distinct grit and wildness about it, adding splendidly to its authenticity.

The company of "Beau" (credit: Valerie Terranova)

The story is told by means of flashbacks and memories, all through the eyes of young Ace, with his grandfather, the titular Beau, being the most substantial relationship for our protagonist. Initially believing him to have passed away, upon learning he was alive, Ace defies his mother and travels to meet the eponymous figure. Though they have a rocky start, they soon form an unbreakable bond, that develops from a sweet and self-affirming connection to a life saving one; in many ways, Beau acts as a guardian angel to Ace, as their commonly shared chagrin helps galvanise the pair, allowing Beau to impart his own wisdom onto his young grandson; this all amid Baker's coming to terms with, and expression of, his own sexuality.

It is a sweet, endearing, and profoundly real piece of storytelling, (conceived and written by performer turned playwright Douglas Lyons, alongside established broadway musician Ethan D. Pakchar), that will undoubtedly strike a chord with many in attendance, yet there is something about the style of delivery that feels a little disjointed, as it isn't always clear where we are, how far back in time we've gone, or how it all links, and although for the most part it pieces itself together by the end, it does feel a touch messy for the first 30 minutes or so. This, thankfully, is secondary to the musical's strikingly relevant thematic material, which doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as depression, self harm and grief.

Max Sangerman and Matt Rodin in "Beau" (credit: Valerie Terranova)

Taking on the lead role of Ace is stalwart of this show Matt Rodin, who displays staunch self-assuredness in captivating the audience, and showcases his more vulnerable side beautifully, both rocking out and tugging our heartstrings in equal measure, and with full conviction. Opposite him as the titular Beau is the multitalented Tony-nominee Jeb Brown, fresh out of one folk musical (David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna penned Dead Outlaw) and straight into another, playing to his patent strengths marvellously, and expressing himself with wonderful panache.

Every performer involved in bringing to life Lyons' score, a masterful mix of country, rock and blues, does so with dazzling power and precision, each giving us an abundance of personality, but also working with the next performer exceptionally well, making this feel very much like an ensemble piece in spite of the clear sense of hierarchy in place. You may well enter with expectations of a rockin' good time, which Beau certainly delivers, but I assure you that you'll leave with your thoughts provoked and your hearts full.

★★★★☆ (4*)

"Beau" runs at The Distillery at St Luke's until the 4th of January 2026 (book tickets)

{PR/Gifted ticket}