The Off-Broadway hit comes to Cape Town! In this story of extremes from perfect Utah Mormon Boy to perfect New York Rent Boy, internationally acclaimed storyteller Steven Fales will take you places you didn't know you wanted to go! Told with humour, song, and The Book of Mormon. Ahead of its time for its edgy “unflinching honesty” (Salt Lake Tribune), Confessions of a Mormon Boy is the inspiring true story of how one troubled young dad first learned to wake up and grow up—and then kept learning. Oxy-Mormon storyteller Steven Fales discovers an imperfect middle ground in this reclamation saga about what it means to finally come home—if only in your heart.

Told with humor, song, and The Book of Mormon, this life-affirming, transformational tale about how a sixth-generation Latter Gay Saint attempts to reclaim his two kids and Donny Osmond Smile after failed conversion therapy, excommunication, sex work, and drugs “will leave you breathless.” (San Diego Union-Tribune) "An uncommonly powerful, gripping, and very moving piece of theatre. It’s unusually well-written and shaped. Staying away would be a mistake." (Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune)

The international one-man sensation Confessions of a Mormon Boy is currently on a tour culminating with a return to New York where it first premiered Off-Broadway over twelve years ago — and has not been performed there since. Based on original direction by Tony Award Winner Jack Hofsiss (The Elephant Man) and performed by Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee and controversial LDS outcast/activist Steven Fales, Confessions of a Mormon Boy is the cornerstone of Fales's 'Mormon Boy Experience' and Part One of his Mormon Boy Trilogy. Because the story and journey continue...

“As moving as it is funny.” — Howard Kissel, New York Daily News

“What a rare and skillful thing is Steven Fales’ engrossing, funny, and often quite harrowing tale." — Kevin Nance, Chicago Sun-Times

“The story couldn’t be more timely.” — Robert Hurwitt, San Francisco Chronicle

“Feels like a sacred gift.” — Louise Kennedy, Boston Globe

"Compelling confessional theatre." — Jason Zinoman, New York Times

"5-Stars! There’s something here that every gay man can relate to. And, my, how the boy entertains.” — Gay Times Magazine (UK)

"Epic." — Washington Post

Biography:

From Los Angeles to London, Houston to Halifax, SoHo to Salt Lake, South Africa, and Sydney, actor/writer/producer Steven Fales has been performing his award-winning solo work for over a decade at venues ranging from church sanctuaries to comedy clubs; fringe festivals to old historic movie houses; coffee shops to cabaret rooms; gay resorts to regional theatres; concert halls to the Mitzi Newhouse Theatre at Lincoln Center. Whether doing standup at Caroline’s On Broadway, cabaret at Joe’s Pub, or solo plays at the Coconut Grove Playhouse, Charing Cross Theatre in the West End, an old Freemason Lodge at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, or Off-Broadway at the SoHo Playhouse, Steven has been honing his craft wherever he can—often receiving and being nominated for awards like the Overall Excellence Award for Solo Show at the New York International Fringe Festival or the Oscar Wilde Award for Outstanding New Writing for the Theatre at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, and others.

Before specializing in solo performance, Steven worked extensively as an actor in classical plays and musicals in regional theatres including the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Pioneer Theatre Co., Stages St. Louis, Sundance Summer Theatre, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, among others, and in commercials, film, and television. His first union job (AEA) was playing Hap in Death of a Salesman at New Harmony Theatre with Gil Rodgers and Jacqueline Brooks. He worked closely with Broadway director/producer Louis Burke at the short-lived Stratford Shakespeare Festival Theatre (formerly the American Shakespeare Theatre) where he performed with Elaine Stritch, Len Cariou, Douglas Sills, and others. 

His first book, Confessions of a Mormon Boy: Behind the Scenes of the Off Broadway Hit, was a Lambda Literary Award Finalist. He is currently expanding his Mormon Boy Trilogy into a book called Oxy-Mormon Memoirs. In addition to his solo work, he has several plays and musicals in various stages of development.

Audience Responses

Incredible, a must see!

This show really had a huge impact on both of us. He truly bared his soul to the audience and words are insufficient to describe how he made us all feel. It was a funny, yet emotionally intelligent performance. Thank you for bringing this show to CT!

I wanted to give it 5 stars but last star would not click

My first experience at The Alexander Bar - we absolutely loved it. Thought Steven Fales was amazing - totally absorbed with his life story.

What an experience!!! He is extremely good

we loved it

While I enjoyed the show and appreciated the honesty and trauma that Steve had gone through, I thought the performance itself had lost spontaneity and reality - possibly because it had been around for so long.

Excellent

Just loved the fact that I was part of a real story told by the man himself....have booked again to treat a few of my friends...cant wait to see it again..lots to take in and think about!!!

Deep, funny and inspirational

Amazing show, what an awesome performance to be able to keep that intensity and capture the audiences interest for 90 minutes.

It was slick and well done. Thoroughly enjoyable. My only comment would be that it needs a little trimming - I felt it ran a little too long.

Powerful show

Started off ok but became self indulgent and went on too long. I was shocked by the actor attacking my friend for slightly crackling a sweet wrapper.

Enjoyed it but it felt over-practised, and there was a lack of variation in tone (s). It felt less than fresh.

Absolutely brilliant!

About an hour too long.

Incredible show, Authentic and touching

Acting and script were superb. Steven Fales' presentation is excellent: top of the range offering.

This was a phenomenally moving and authentic show. The depth of Steven Hales performance is outstanding as he carries one through his story, but it is clear that he is not just simply telling a story - it could have been anybody's story. That we all have one within us and that many parts of his resonated with myself and the people who came with me, says much about the way he performs. Honestly, it was unfortunate that his run is so short and that more shows are not available. No offence to the venue, which I do love, but this show needs to be in front of more people, and therefore a bigger audience each night. It is totatlly appropriate for what a lot of people are dealing with in their own lives and will give many hope and courage to find their respective 'truths'.

Incredible, a must see!

Excellent acting. I found it rather 'in-the-face' because of the intimate nature of the venue, but it was very good. I also thought it would have benefited from some visual support - possibly use of the screen with a few pictures, video clips and/or graphics. It is quite gruelling, because it has moments of big drama, to have the voice going the whole time without respite.

Well acted, well researched, engaging, honest and very entertaining

Interresting, surprising, unexpected... Sometime a bit slow, but a good moment.

Excellent writing and performance

Too long but had some merit

Fantastic show. Excellent performance.

Raw. Emotional. True

It was a slick show he has a very good singing voice , for me the only improvment would be to condens the show slightly

Loved Confessions of a Mormon Boy. We were riveted for 90 minutes. Fascinating story and glimpse into LDS world. Pity we got the second last performance as I’d love to send all my friends to see it!

Good to be back at the Alexander! Enjoyed the show - Fales is an accomplished & assured performer, although I felt he could adjust his performance for the intimacy of the Alex. Dial it back a bit. Handled prop/set malfunction well! The actual story is chilling, of course. Maybe a touch too long. Any age restriction? Didn't see any?

Thanks, we enjoyed the very professional show.

Rivetting, thought provoking and, of course, funny.

Interesting, but quite intense to concentrate for 90 minutes on a monologue

Awesome story told by an awesome performer. He really makes you feel as if you were with him

An amazing show!

Excellent

REMARKABLE

What can I say....rushed back a second time.....faaaaaabulous! Can’t wait for Steven to return ...a truly deep sad and happy story.....you did what most folks are scared to do......they are too busy keeping up with the Jones s.....how peaceful it is to be who you are and not want they want you to be......

Most enjoyable. I really enjoyed the honesty of the show. Great night's entertainment !!

Confessions of a Mormon boy was brilliant. Thought provoking and the whole story was extremely well executed. I would recommend this play to anybody. It must have been very difficult to open up yourself and show people the real, raw you. Well done, Steven!

Excellent from beginning to end, no loss of dynamic or interest at any time, with an unexpected ending, I almost want to come back for another show!

Incredible show, Authentic and touching

An amazing show!

What can I say....rushed back a second time.....faaaaaabulous! Can’t wait for Steven to return ...a truly deep sad and happy story.....you did what most folks are scared to do......they are too busy keeping up with the Jones s.....how peaceful it is to be who you are and not want they want you to be......

Brilliant acting Very moving Courageous!

Huge topic. Sensitvely written and superbly acted. Heartbreaking how he handled the relationship with his father.

Excellent performance and show. Emotional, suspenseful, sad but also happy. Show seemed to last only 10 minutes although it was 90 minutes long.

Excellent, energetic performance.