Shout! The Legend of the Wild One is an Australian musical based on the life of Johnny O'Keefe. It premiered in Melbourne at the State Theatre in December 2000, followed by seasons in Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane throughout 2001. As a jukebox musical, it features songs recorded by O'Keefe and other popular songs from the 1950s and 1960s.
The original production was directed by Richard Wherrett and featured David Campbell as O'Keefe. Both were nominated at the 2001 Helpmann Awards, for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Male Actor in a Musical respectively. The original production was later remounted for a national tour in January 2008, starring Tim Campbell as O'Keefe.
In the mid-1970s, Johnny O'Keefe takes his new fiancé to see the Sydney Stadium before its demolition. He reminisces about his life, growing up in Sydney and falling for Marianne, a German immigrant. When he hears "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and the Comets, he discovers a passion for rock music and persuades Lee Gordon to promote him.
O'Keefe achieves fame and success, but his journey is married by a car crash and difficulty breaking into the US market. His relationship with Gordon deteriorates, his marriage falls apart and Gordon dies.
Despite these challenges, O'Keefe makes a comeback in the 1970s.
Shout! The Legend of The Wild One original cast recording was released in March 2001. The album was certified gold in Australia. It received the ARIA Award for Best Original Cast/Show Album in 2001.