Boy George’s Taboo Eyes Broadway, By George!
in Taboo in the West End
With Taboo, Boy George has accomplished something that none of the other compilation musicals (e.g. Mamma Mia!, Movin’ Out) can boast: He has created a show about himself, written by himself, and starring himself. Taboo opened at The Venue in London’s West End in January with B.G. in the cast. He is scheduled to return to the show on November 11 and also intends to star in the Broadway production, which is planned to open early in 2003.
Taboo focuses on the 1980s New Romantic movement and on the lives of such personalities as Marilyn, Steve Strange, Philip Sallon, and George and Leigh Bowery. George plays the role of Bowery rather than the role of himself — that task is left to a much younger actor. Delving into issues of drugs, homosexuality, and disease, Taboo charts the rise and fall of B.G.’s career and examines his relationships with friends and acquaintances.
The (mostly) original score by George includes “I’ll Have You All,” “Everything Taboo,” and “Independent Woman,” as well as the classic “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” The cast recording, set for release in the U.K. on October 14, features both original cast members and newer additions to the company.
