A Transgender Woman on the Internet, Crying is the hyper pop fever dream that just might save the Australian musical scene from the dreary homogenized Americana it has become.
Avis O’Hara is the right kind of trans – polite, palatable and above all, passing. Leaning into the hetro-femme fantasy and giving her followers, The Doll Makers, everything that they click for. But when left-tube vlogger Corrin Verbeck masterminds a takedown, Avis’ picture perfect life might not be all as it seems.
Cassie Hamilton is an absolute powerhouse of talent – from her mind blowing music composition, to some of the wittiest and whimsical lyrics to be heard on a stage in a long time, Hamilton delivers a masterclass on how to get it right. Every idea, from the subtle to the sledgehammer, has been meticulously crafted and cultivated into an effortless showcase of pure genius.
Jean Tong’s direction perfectly compliments Hamilton’s work – grounding and guiding with a deft hand to allow for high energy and spontaneity – all the while, maintaining spot on pace and a deep emotional through line. Tong embraces the chaotic nature of the work, creating an almost Guerrilla theatre staging that the performers can’t help but thrive in.
The ensemble of Blake Appelqvist, Rosie Rai, Teo Vergara and Hamilton herself, are second to none, bursting onto the stage with the soaring triple threat skills that they each poses.
From Appelqvist’s disarming side eye to Vergara’s unbridled energy, Hamilton’s whip cracking turn of phrase and Rai’s aptitude for scene stealing, each performer gives a high octane performance that is as hilarious as it is heartfelt.
No review would be complete without a huge shout out to Ruby Jenkins’ set – a grungy, colourful world that is nothing short of a playground for the characters to gleefully exist in. Rachel Lee & Nick Moloney’s lighting uses every cliché musical theatre lighting state and the work is better for it.
Dan Ham’ choreography is crafted to not only capture each character’s movements but allows each performer to comfortably move within their abilities and truly relish the high octane dance breaks.
With companies around the country bemoaning the lack of young and diverse audiences attending theatre, looking around the full house, it’s not hard to see where they are and what work they want to see and celebrate.
The potential for this work is limitless – with a few tweaks and cuts, A Transgender Woman on the Internet, Crying could take Australia by storm.
A Transgender Woman on the Internet, Crying
Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo (Sydney
Season continues to 11 April 2026
Information and Bookings: www.oldfitztheatre.com.au
Images: A Transgender Woman on the Internet, Crying – photos by Brett Boardman
Review: Gavin Roach