Expect to be moved by the performances of John Waters and Stewart D’Arrietta in their Perth bound show Lennon: Through a Glass Onion on July 16 and 17.
While the show has been around for more than 20 years its status has been raised immeasurably after a sell out season of 122 shows in New York by January.
It delves into ex-Beatle and solo artist John Lennon, whose death shocked the world when he was gunned down in New York in 1980.
Whilst New Yorkers could be harsh critics, Waters said by 20 minutes into the show they were relishing the power of the production.
“You have just sung Beautiful Boy and next thing the audience hears gunshots ringing out and then you launch into Imagine, which starts in complete darkness and I think I can hear the sobs coming from the audience,” he said.
“Our preview audiences stood as one and applauded it and stayed behind and wanted to see us and say hello.
“It was truly great.”
Waters said being able to evoke emotion from the audience was humbling.
“All those emotions whether happy or sad are all positives, it is getting something out of what they are seeing, which I am performing,” he said.
“It is a great feeling to be able to do that and I consider myself lucky to be in a position that I have found myself to have a vehicle like this to work with.”
Whilst Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono granted Waters’ her blessing for the show and gave them copyright of Lennon’s work he said he would not invite or expect her to attend.
“There are guns going off on stage and she was there when it happened, she saw her husband shot dead in front of her eyes,” he said.
“I don’t imagine she has been to see any of these shows about him although ours would affect her more I think.”
One of Australia’s best known actors, Waters has had a distinguished career from the ABC’s Rush in the 1970s to Play School, mini series, musical theatre and more recently in Offspring but he is in the market for another role.
“People keep telling me there are rumours of Offspring coming back and they look at me like I am hiding something from them but as far as I am concerned it is over,” he said.
“If anybody finds out there is going to be another series I would be happy to be in it if they asked me.
“I think a lot depends on Asher (Keddie) and where she is at.
“Five seasons and 65 episodes of high quality writing, I think it is kind of almost enough.”
Despite his age of 66 years and overseas tours planned for Glass Onion, Waters has not lost his energy and has no desire to ease up.
“The smart thing is to get busier and in that way I can just happily embrace the age that I am and playing older men on television,” he said.
“The days of the 30-year-old dashing hero might not be there but there are some interesting older male roles so I am happy to switch to those.”
Lennon: Looking Through a Glass Onion will play at the Regal theatre on July 17 and 18. Book via www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849.
