The lively, hilarious, fast-paced musical The Boy from Oz isn’t sticking around for long, and much like its flawless costume changes if you blink you will miss it, which would be a tragedy.
The musical follows the real life story of Australian entertainer Peter Allen, played by the larger-than-life Todd McKenney, who is spectacular in the lead role.
Onstage for almost the entirety of the show, McKenney is high-energy, fabulously flamboyant and remarkably funny. The dialogue is as colourful as the sequined shirts that adorn the show’s star and the innuendos are as suggestive as the feathered, sequined, glittered dancers.
Greek Australian John Xintavelonis excels in dual roles as Allen’s agent Dee Anthony and Allen’s father Dick Woolnough.
Allen’s songs, including I honestly love you, (which he wrote for Olivia Newton John), I still call Australia Home, Tenterfield Saddler, Don’t cry out loud, and I go to Rio, unfold against a plotline tracking Allen’s humble beginnings in Armadale, a troubled relationship with his alcoholic Vietnam veteran father, his marriage and subsequent divorce to Liza Minnelli, and his long-term partner Greg’s battle and eventual death from AIDS.
Sentiment and drama are stirred into phenomenal dance sequences and superb costumes. Peter Allen’s story is one to be celebrated by all Australians, and this short-running musical is a must-see.
The Boy from Oz will run again in Melbourne from February 9 until February 13, before going to Sydney from March 2 until March 17.
To book tickets in Melbourne visit: www.theartscentre.com.au, or for Sydney visit: www.ticketmaster.com.au