INTERVIEW: Amelia Cormack on why she fell in love with ‘Beau The Musical’

Photo: Amelia Cormack is currently starring in Beau The Musical in New York City. Photo courtesy of Valerie Terranova / Provided by The Press Room NYC with permission.

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NEW YORK — One of the bonafide success stories of the New York theater scene in 2025 is Beau The Musical, an intimate show that is wrapping up its run Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre in Midtown Manhattan. The musical, created by Douglas Lyons, tells the story of a young musician trying to find his voice and trying to understand the relationship he had with his grandfather.

Ace (Matt Rodin) is a gay singer who had a difficult time growing up, but he found solace and strength from his estranged grandfather, Beau (Jeb Brown). One of the key characters in this narrative is Raven, played by accomplished actor Amelia Cormack. Her previous credits include Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; Hadestown; and Come From Away.

Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Cormack to learn more about her journey with Beau The Musical. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

What stood out for you when you first read Beau The Musical on the page?

I was very moved by the intergenerational nature of the story and blown away by its use of a non-linear narrative. The script shows rather than tells the trauma that each character has experienced in a very effective and visceral way, and I was intrigued by that. Also, knowing that it was an actor-musician show was really exciting to me. I moved to New York 12 years ago with the dream of originating a role in an actor-musician show!

What do you like about the character Raven?

I absolutely adore her. We have spent the last nearly seven years together, so the lines between her and me can blur sometimes. I love that she wears her heart on her sleeve, she is fiercely protective of her son and that she loves with her entire being. There are also some wild correlations between our lives, so I often feel that she is the southern, feistier version of me.

Do you feel like the lessons of Beau The Musical need to be heard in 2025-2026?

Absolutely — sadly, it remains all too relevant. If queer folx are being discriminated against, and especially as kids’ rights to be themselves are being taken away, this show is here to show them that they are beautiful and wonderful as they are. But it also shows families how shame and secrecy can be such destructive forces; however, there is redemption in allowing people to be their truest selves. I’ve been having a lot of conversations with fellow theatre professionals about what wonderful things can happen when one lives as one’s authentic self. It’s a very powerful thing.

What’s it like to perform a piece of theater mere inches from the audience in this intimate setting?

I love it! I’m someone who loves interacting with an audience, and to feel them be so physically and emotionally affected by being face-to-face with the action of the show is exhilarating. 

How are you feeling as this long journey comes to an end on Jan. 4? Or do you believe there’s still a future for the musical?

I am feeling incredibly proud of what we’ve managed to achieve in only six months. The show has had a real impact, and to see our wonderful fans, some of them coming back upwards of 30 times, has been deeply humbling and moving. Having said that, as I mentioned earlier, I’ve been with this show nearly seven years now — even though we may not know what the next step is, there is always a future for Beau the Musical!

How are you celebrating this holiday season while working on Beau?

I’m originally from Australia but am very fortunate to have my brother living in Rhode Island, so I will fortunately be with family. We also had a Secret Santa at the theatre, which was really fun. On another note, I’m from Sydney, so after the shooting on Bondi Beach, I am wishing peace, health and safety for us all.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Beau The Musical, featuring Amelia Cormack, continues through Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre in Midtown Manhattan. Click here for more information and tickets.