Aussie hits the stage again

Considering its status as a much-loved modern Australian play, it may surprise some that David Stevens’ The Sum of Us — made into an acclaimed 1994 film starring Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson — hasn’t been staged very much in this country in the two decade’s since it was written.

“[The play’s] biggest run was in New York and LA, which seems strange to me,” former Neighbours star Patrick Harvey told the Star Observer ahead of the show’s Sydney season.

“But David Stevens is very excited that it’s now getting staged here [again], and that we’re taking it to all sorts of different places across the country.”

Harvey plays Jeff, a young gay man living with his widowed father Harry (John Jarratt), and the play follows their individual quests for love with affection and good humour. Jeff’s sexuality barely registers as an issue for his blokey father, who’s keen to see his son find a man.

“The biggest part of the story is Jeff and Harry’s quest for happiness and that they both want to find someone to love them,” Harvey said.

“It’s just about someone wanting to find love. The reaction has been fantastic so far, because the play speaks to everyone.”

Fellow television actor Glenn van Oosterom (Rush) plays Jeff’s love interest in the show, but Harvey said the main focus was on the father-son bond.

“My father and I get along very well — we’re like best friends — and as soon as we started the rehearsal process, John and I found that same connection. People have said that bond really comes across when we’re on stage.”

info: The Sum of Us, Parade Theatres, Kensington, August 3 – 6, Glen St Theatre, August 9-20 and Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, August 23 – 27. Tickets through Ticketek.