REBEL is a musical that delves into one man’s journey to discover his true self. It is an exploration of family, community, music and being queer in the USA in the 1940s to 1960s. The story is set in a New York bar in 1969, where cowboy Davey (Maxwell Simon) narrates his life as a gay singer/songwriter.
He has been greatly influenced by his beloved uncle Randy. Davey was misunderstood and mistreated by his father, whose business went belly up in Brooklyn. That is when his parents, younger sister and he moved to Randy’s sprawling farm in Texas. Randy bought Davey’s first guitar when the boy was nearly 13 and taught him to play Blue Moon.
Randy also had a special friend, a farm hand named Jimmy Ray, with whom he had more in common than corn and cattle. Davey quit school at 14 and began working, eventually spreading his wings and leaving behind his kid sister, Tully. A grand adventure follows, in which Davey’s eyes are opened, although he never forgets his roots.
Along the way, he has several big names influences, among them James Dean, Rock Hudson and Elvis Presley. So it is that Davey embraces his gayness and sees and does a lot during his formative years.
Drew Downing, who is responsible for the book, music and lyrics, started writing REBEL during a trip to America 14 years ago. He’d taken himself to a speakeasy bar in Oklahoma, where a local country music trio was playing to an eclectic crowd. What began as an hour-long cabaret, designed as a vehicle for him as a performer, debuted at Midsumma in 2013. During an extended trip to Texas in 2018, Drew redeveloped the show into a short book musical, which saw another artist taking on the titular role the following year. With COVID-19 intervening, following slightly further revision, we are now up to REBEL 4.0.
Ninety minutes plus interval, it is a thoroughly impressive musical featuring some great country and western, and pop/rock sounds. Along with the up-tempo numbers, there are soulful ballads in the 17 strong repertoire, plus two reprises. The narrative is kept to a minimum, with a great deal unfolding through song.
In a spirited performance, Maxwell Simon comes across as charming and personable. He has a highly appealing vocal range and is quite the revelation as Davey, switching gears effortlessly. Also making REBEL so attractive is the all-star band, led by musical director Alex Martello. He plays both the double bass and bass guitar, and is responsible for the orchestrations. Accompanying him and creating quite the impression on guitars and banjo is Aaron Syrjanen, with good natured and talented Ella Summers on fiddle. At the back of the stage, we have Sally Ingrams on drums and David Youings on keys.
Highly deserving of praise is the impressive set and costume design by Betty Auhl, who has excelled with her creativity. The largely wooden set takes us back to a western style bar in New York in the summer of ’69. Davey first appears in a striking black shirt with contrasting stitching, jeans, cowboy style hat and boots, while bandmates also reflect the country vibe.
Director Clary Riven ensures that there is a smooth flow throughout the production, which leaves you wanting more. REBEL is playing at The MC Showroom until 15th March, 2026.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- We Will Rock You (Frankston Arts Centre) – musical theatre review
- The Music of The Night (Chapel off Chapel) – theatre review
- Songs of the Northern River (The MC Showroom) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
