‘The Sum of Us ‘ adds up to the best of community theatre
Galleon Theatre Group’s The Sum of Us serves up the best of Adelaide community theatre, presenting an intelligent, poignant, funny play with understated professionalism of a troupe that’s been around for a half century.
Director Lesley Reed guides a play that was radical in content at its debut in the 1990s and uses the theatrical device of breaking the fourth wall to great effect.
The Sum of Us by David Stevens started with a very successful 300-performance run Off Broadway in 1990 at the height of the AIDS epidemic. Sydney Theatre Company presented it in 1992 and Stevens adapted his play for a film starring Jack Thompson and Russel Crowe in 1994.
The Sum of Us by David Stevens
Presented by Galleon Theatre Group
Directed by Lesley Reed
30 October – 7 November 2026
Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre
Widower Harry Mitchell and son Jeff have lived together comfortably for many years but they are both lonely and desire a serious relationship. The play’s early revelation is that Harry is completely comfortable with his son’s homosexuality, within the context of their ocker footy-loving lifestyle.
They talk about sexuality in a colourful humorous frank way that’s been associated with Aussie men.
What’s not often associated with Australian men is showing sensitivity and emotion. This is where the play is so powerful in its form with Harry and Jeff both breaking the fourth wall by addressing the audience directly and we are drawn in to their most intimate and honest thoughts through these soliloquies. It is a riveting device when delivered by such experienced and magnetic actors.
Harry has some of the most visceral heart-rending lines in the play. The way he talks about the love he had for his wife and his love for Jeff is deeply moving. There may have been a few blokes out there in the dark with a lump in their throat.
The themes of the play include romance, guilt, acceptance, parental love, hypocrisy, prejudice and how we are all shaped and affected by previous generations.
John Rosen as Harry Mitchell and Matthew Chant as Harry’s gay son, Jeff, are a believable, affectionate father and son. They give their characters great warmth and compassion and their superb comic timing makes sure all the terrific Aussie slang and one-liners land perfectly.
Christopher Cordeaux as Greg plays the role of Jeff’s awkward, nervous love interest well.
Julie Quick plays Joyce, Harry’s girlfriend who he has met via a dating agency. It’s a bonus for the company to have someone with her talent and experience to come on for one scene and make such an impact. Quick fills the stage with vibrant female energy, taking over the relatively calm male domain of the Mitchell’s lounge-dining room. Initially we are hopeful that Harry has found love and companionship but Joyce is confronted and repelled by Jeff’s sexuality which is at odds with her frankness about her own sexual needs. Quick skilfully inhabits her character fully in her brief cameo. In a short time, we see a woman with set ideas, damaged by a failed marriage, and potentially threatening to Harry and Jeff’s relationship.
The Sum of Us makes it worth getting off the sofa to experience live theatre. The warmth and chemistry between the actors, terrific set and props, lighting and sound that enhanced every scene (including an original song composed and sung by Lindsay Dunn) and a palpable sense of community from all the Galleon people, from the front desk to MC Ken Calliss’ warm welcome – and raffle – for the audience.
A night at the theatre greater than the sum of its parts.
Get down to the very comfortable and inviting Domain Theatre and see this play and these fine actors. The next time you read about it might be in a list of award nominations for 2026.
– Vicki Arnold