The Boy From Oz
28 September – 12 October, 2019
Iona Performing Arts Centre, Lindum
Tickets: Adult $50; Concession $47; Group (10+) $45; Juniors (prep-high school) $28
The Boy From Oz is a musical biography and tribute to the late, great Peter Allen, told through his music. Peter was an Aussie pop star who enjoyed the highs and lows of success. He won an Oscar, sold out performances in Radio City Music Hall, staged a musical flop, lost his partner and battled illness himself. Peter Allen had an extraordinary life, which become a smash hit musical, enjoyed by millions around the world. The show originally premiered in 1998 in Australia before opening on Broadway, New York in 2003, allowing the world to fall in love with Allen’s music.
In a Vegas cabaret-styled presentation of his musical catalogue, Peter’s character takes us on a colourful and energetic journey through the complexities of his life’s story. The songs sit easily with the rhythm of the piece and with the characters as they enter and re-enter his life, be they dead or alive. It leaps, as does Peter himself, from past to present and back all within the familiar context of one of his energy-packed concerts.
Savoyards last produced this show in 2009. Musical Director, Benjamin Tubb-Hearne, is thrilled to be part of this production. “The Boy From Oz has become an Australian classic and I can’t wait to bring this fabulous show to life” he said.
Peter Allen was born in outback Australia in 1944, made his entertainment debut at the age of 5 and as a teenager became a pop star and then toured Asia. There, he met Judy Garland who took him to London where he met and become engaged to her daughter Liza Minnelli. In the US Peter enjoyed the highs of success and experienced his share of lows. A brilliant book by Nick Enright weaves together Allen’s greatest hits including Not The Boy Next Door, I Honestly Love You, Don’t Cry Out Loud, I Still Call Australia Home, Tenterfield Saddler, I Go To Rio and the Academy Award-winning Arthur’s Theme.
The Savoyards production will star Shannon Foley in the title role of Peter Allen, together with Vanessa Wainwright as Judy Garland, Natalie Lennox as Liza Minnelli and Jacqui Cuny as Marion Woolnough. Featuring a cast of 36 fabulous Brisbane performers, a live orchestra, and performed in the luxurious surroundings of the Iona Performing Arts Centre in the beautiful Brisbane bayside, this musical will have you wanting to burst into song and dance!
For ticketing and further information, visit the Savoyards website.
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