Written in 1986 by Daniel Abineri it premiered in Melbourne in 1989 and featured Russell Crowe in the title role. Bad Boy Johnny enjoyed a six-month run in Melbourne and Sydney, won two International Pater Awards for best libretto and score, and spawned a cast album on WEA and a top ten single "Enemy The Sun". The late Australian pop singer Troy Newman who took over the title role, is heard on the official cast album and single in place of Russell Crowe. In April 1993 a showcase performance of the musical, directed by Daniel Abineri was performed at Jacksons Lane Theatre N6. Performing in the cast were 1980s pop band Then Jerico singer Mark Shaw in the title role, Daniel Abineri as Father McLean, with Elizabeth Carling from TV's drama series Boon, Sebastian Abineri as Pope Liberty III, Jody Saron as Desire and Cathy Murphy and Matt Selby in supporting roles. On 26 January 1994, Bad Boy Johnny was re-mounted as a five-week limited showcase run at The Union Chapel in Islington London, again directed by Daniel Abineri and starring Craig Ferguson and Mark Shaw. The 1994 London production made national news when it caused grave offence to the Roman Catholic Church and was closed down after just nine performances. Synopsis Born on the wrong side of the tracks to a single mother and part-time prostitute called Mary, Johnny steals his first guitar and forms a band, the Prophets Of Doom. He is discovered and managed by his evil parish priest Father MacLean. Booked onto an X Factor-type show called Have Your Say, Johnny is voted by the public as the person the world would like to see as the new Pontiff. However, the current incumbent, the obese Pope Liberty III, is not going to step down. Enter Johnny's number one fan Desire who, disguised as a nun, tries to seduce Liberty, leading him to die of a massive heart attack.