Hugh Jackman recently brought his Tony award-winning performance of the late Peter Allen to Australia, but some Sydney audience members were disappointed when a kiss between Jackman and co-star Murray Bartlett, present in the American version of the show, failed to materialize.
Said Bartlett of the omission: “We just wanted to keep it very simple and very pure. It's reaching so many people and sending out a message of tolerance and that love is the most important thing, regardless of where you stand. We're very proud of that.”
Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby Gerard Brody called the censorship move a step in the wrong direction: “People are going to go and watch The Boy From Oz and they are going to definitely know about Peter Allen's life and I think a simple kiss, if that's offending Australians, there's something wrong with progressive Australia. It's just strange; Peter Allen was an Australian icon and his sexuality was well known and I can't see how Australians could be offended by it, in any way. I hope they change their mind and let the true story be told.”
Melbourne audiences are puckered up and waiting for Jackman to arrive this week.
Boy from Oz Gives Gay Kiss a Miss [the age]
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