Director Hayden Tonazzi on the Queer comedy Musical Converted! premiering at Sydney Festival
Sydney Festival 2025 is set to dazzle audiences with the groundbreaking queer-led comedy musical Converted!, a creation of award-winning comedy writer Vic Zerbst and acclaimed composer Oliver John Cameron.
The show boldly satirises conversion therapy camps while celebrating the resilience and joy of self-discovery. At the helm is Hayden Tonazzi, a trailblazing director and creative producer whose innovative approach is bringing this vibrant production to life.
In a candid interview, Tonazzi shared insights into the creation and impact of this audacious new work.
"Converted! is a brand-new Australian comedy disco musical that satirises gay conversion therapy," Tonazzi explains.
Hayden Tonazzi with the stars of the Queer Comedy Musical Converted! premiering at Sydney Festival. (Melody Kiptoo as Sammy and Teo Vergara as Bone) Supplied
"It's about two people running a camp trying to turn people straight in the gayest way possible. It's very tongue-in-cheek but also tackles real-world issues of young people discovering their identities in systems that don't support them."
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The musical follows Maya and Bone as they navigate a fictional "Fix Yourself!" camp, uniting with fellow campers to tear down the oppressive system from within. The story unfolds with laughter, disco beats, and an empowering message of community and self-expression.
Melody Kiptoo as Sammy and Teo Vergara as Bone in Converted! Supplied
Tonazzi, who joined the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) as Artistic Associate in 2022, has played a pivotal role in Converted!'s development. "At that time, Converted! was in the final stages of its initial commission, funded by the Rebel Wilson Comedy Commission in 2020. I was invited to participate in a two-day workshop," Tonazzi recalls.
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"Since it's a queer work and I was the only queer person on the creative team, I got thrown in, which was really exciting. After two years of development, here we are, premiering at the Sydney Festival."
Behind the scenes of Hayden Tonazzi directing the Converted! Supplied
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The production's cast and creative team are predominantly queer, a choice Tonazzi emphasises as vital.
"Nine of the 11 cast members are 26 and under, and most of them, along with many on the creative team, are queer," they note. "We talked about what musical theatre doesn't provide for young queer performers. For example, Broadway transfers often have rigid molds that performers must fit into. With Converted!, we've actively worked to change that."
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One standout character is Denver, a non-binary camper whose role has been tailored to fit the unique artistry of Melbourne performer Redd Scott.
"Denver's song Leave Me Alone was lowered by three tones for Redd," Tonazzi explains. "That approach is rarely seen in commercial productions, but it's vital for creating inclusive theatre."
Helen Dallimore, Thomas Campbell, Redd Scott who plays Denver, Ashley Garner and Melody Kiptoo rehearsing for Converted! Supplied
Tonazzi's collaboration with writer Vic Zerbst has been a reunion of old friends. "Vic and I actually went to Sydney University together," Tonazzi shares. "Fast forward to now, and it's been amazing reconnecting. Vic has put a lot of trust in me to shepherd this process. Despite their busy schedule with projects like Nugget and Optics, they've been an incredible collaborator."
Tonazzi describes the premiere at Sydney Festival as a unique opportunity. "It's immense. Sydney Festival is an incredible platform that celebrates multi-art forms. Being part of a program alongside international works, dance productions, and musicians is such a privilege."
"After the past few years, I think everyone is craving a fun night out," Tonazzi says. "Converted! delivers laughter, disco, and heart. The show ends with a massive disco ball and everyone dancing the night away. Plus, we've got a great artist bar. So come for the sunset, stay for the show, and hit the club after. It's the ultimate package for a fun night out in Sydney."
Catch Converted! at the Sydney Festival this January. Tickets are on sale now.
Stream Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story only on Stan.
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