An electrifying tale of a trans woman balancing duty and desire, family and freedom. By day, she’s a devoted night nurse and caregiver; by night, she rocks out to Led Zeppelin and sings at a dive bar—dragging her bedridden father along.
What Happened to Mary-Anne? is an electrifying theatrical experience that seamlessly weaves together the raw power of rock and roll with a deeply moving narrative about identity, family, and self-discovery. At its heart, the story follows Mary-Anne, a trans woman with an unquenchable passion for rock music. Beneath her dutiful exterior as the youngest of eight siblings, a night nurse, and a devoted caretaker to her bedridden father, lies a rebellious spirit that comes alive under the neon lights of a grungy dive bar. This show is a wild, unapologetic celebration of rock anthems, delivered with a powerful dramatic punch that will leave audiences exhilarated and emotionally moved.
From the moment the lights dim and the first electrifying guitar riff echoes through the theatre, What Happened to Mary-Anne? commands attention. Directed by Benjamin Kilby-Henson, the production is a masterclass in balancing bold humour with intense drama. The show draws its energy from the musical stylings of rock legends such as Stevie Nicks, Kiss, Blondie, and Fleetwood Mac, performed live by the talented ensemble known as The Grotesque – Māia Huia, Bray Jeffrey, and Rhohil Kishore. Their mastery of rock and roll is impeccable, enhancing every scene and serving as an emotional amplifier that adds depth and vibrancy to the narrative.
Mary-Anne’s story is one of contrast and complexity. By day, she is the obedient daughter and dependable sibling, constantly running errands and tending to her father’s every need, earning her place within her ultra-conservative family through quiet servitude. Her siblings barely tolerate her, accepting her presence only because of her usefulness. But by night, she transforms into a fearless rock star, belting out secular anthems at The Pig Bucket, a seedy dive bar where she can unapologetically be herself.
This duality is captured brilliantly by Brady Peeti, whose performance as Mary-Anne is nothing short of mesmerising. Peeti masterfully navigates the character’s emotional journey, from moments of vulnerability and longing to explosive expressions of liberation. It is this juxtaposition – the pious, dutiful daughter versus the audacious rock star – that makes Mary-Anne’s story so compelling. As she wrestles with her identity and the weight of her family's expectations, the audience is taken on a journey of self-discovery that is as heart-wrenching as it is empowering.
One of the greatest achievements of What Happened to Mary-Anne? is its ability to balance comedy and drama without diminishing the impact of either. The show tackles heavy themes, including religious piety, family rejection, and the struggles of self-acceptance. Yet, these are expertly interwoven with laugh-out-loud moments and clever comedic elements that keep the story from becoming overwhelming.
The narrative is peppered with witty dialogue and situational humour that highlight the absurdity of Mary-Anne’s predicament, such as her siblings’ obliviousness to her double life and the ludicrous situations she navigates to preserve her secret. Game show elements are cleverly introduced to engage the audience, breaking the fourth wall and inviting viewers to become part of Mary-Anne’s chaotic world.
Lighting is also used ingeniously to accentuate shifts in tone, illuminating moments of introspection or amplifying the energy during musical numbers. These seamless transitions allow the story to flow naturally between poignant dramatic scenes and uproarious comedic interludes, creating a dynamic viewing experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
The music in What Happened to Mary-Anne? is not merely an accompaniment; it is the lifeblood of the show. The setlist features iconic rock anthems, including Rock and Roll All Nite by Kiss, White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane, Call Me by Blondie, Cherry Bomb by The Runaways, and The Chain by Fleetwood Mac, to name a few. Each song is strategically placed to enhance the emotional weight of the scenes, reflecting Mary-Anne’s internal turmoil, her moments of defiance, and her ultimate liberation.
The live band, The Grotesque, delivers these classics with passion and precision, capturing the raw energy of rock and roll. Their performances are tight, energetic, and authentic, transporting the audience to a smoky, crowded bar where the music is loud, gritty, and unapologetically bold. Their musical prowess is matched only by Brady Peeti’s vocal delivery, which is both powerful and nuanced, bringing new life to these legendary tracks while maintaining their nostalgic charm.
The music not only entertains but also serves as a narrative device that drives the story forward. It punctuates dramatic revelations, provides comedic relief, and underscores Mary-Anne’s emotional journey. By allowing the audience to feel the highs and lows through the pulse of rock music, the show creates an immersive experience that resonates long after the final chord is struck.
At its core, What Happened to Mary-Anne? is a story about identity, acceptance, and the courage to be oneself. It portrays the universal struggle of seeking validation and belonging, while bravely confronting the prejudices and expectations imposed by society and family. Mary-Anne’s journey is one of resilience and self-empowerment, as she reclaims her voice and unapologetically embraces who she truly is.
The narrative explores the pain of being misunderstood and the consequences of living a double life. It examines the cost of people-pleasing and the toll of suppressing one’s true self to fit societal norms. Yet, amidst the drama and heartbreak, the story is also a celebration of freedom, rebellion, and the transformative power of music.
The character’s internal conflict is relatable to anyone who has felt the pressure to conform or has struggled to find their place in the world. This relatability, combined with the show’s vibrant humour and infectious energy, gives What Happened to Mary-Anne? mainstream appeal, ensuring that audiences from all walks of life will find something to connect with.
What Happened to Mary-Anne? is a triumph that defies conventional storytelling. It is a bold, brash, and beautifully crafted production that resonates on an emotional level while delivering the thrill and excitement of a live rock concert. With an outstanding cast, a killer soundtrack, and a poignant narrative that tugs at the heartstrings, it is a show that captivates from start to finish.
This is not just a musical; it is an experience – one that leaves you laughing, crying, and cheering for Mary-Anne as she rocks her way to freedom. If you have the chance to see What Happened to Mary-Anne?, don’t miss it. It’s a theatrical masterpiece that redefines the boundaries of comedy, drama, and rock and roll.
The short season of What Happened to Mary-Anne? runs from the 11th - 15th Feb, 2025 at Auckland's Loft at Q Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here
Duration: 60 minutes (no intermission)