Are you ready to escape the cold of Melbourne and head to Rio? Judy Garland is in the wings waiting for you. Let’s go!
The incredible story of homegrown talent Peter Allen, the man behind the iconic Qantas song “I Still Call Australia Home,” is being celebrated at St Kilda’s National Theatre Melbourne this month until July 21.
Presented by Theatrical, an independent non-profit theatre company in inner-city Melbourne, The Boy from Oz celebrates the highs and lows of Allen’s legendary life.
Australian talent Matthew Hadgraft, known for Curtains (2010, Spotlight) and Cabaret (2011, ZenZenZo) re-assumes the role of Allen - a role he first played in 2010 (Spotlight) - leading us through an energy-fuelled performance, jumping from past to present to past again with Allen’s iconic hits.
Beyond his incredible voice, Hadgraft makes the audience feel warm and fuzzy, embodying Allen’s wit, charm, and cheekiness - and impeccable, bedazzled wardrobe.
But the talent does not stop there!
Judy Garland lends Saskia Penn her voice and spirit for a third time (previously in The Boy From OZ with MLOC; PLOS) with a portrayal that’ll take you back in time, it’ll have you searching for those VHS tapes.
Sarah Monteaux, whose notable credits include Abigail Williams in The Crucible (dir. Scott Johnson) 2019, Margo in Brightstar (dir. Adam Mitchell) 2021, and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (dir. Crispin Taylor) 2021, gives us Garland’s legendary daughter Liza Minnelli - jazz hands, isms, that voice, and all.
Honestly, there isn’t a voice in the production that isn’t made for the stage. The calibre and range are unforgettable.
I can’t stop thinking about the Trio Sylvia Kokkinos, Tara Lichtenstein, and Angelina Sevastopoulo’s harmonising and vocal belts.
And for the groove lovers, the dance troupe is stellar – you’ll be captivated by the “I Go to Rio” number, tap, and synchronised dancing.
The production truly has everything, from the important and impactful Stonewall scene to Maureen Andrew’s deeply heartfelt solo – I was brought to tears many times.
Maureen Andrew, is an accomplished performer with over 50 years Music Theatre, Film, Stage and Television experience, plays Peter Allen’s mother Marion Allen and is honoured to "share and memorialise the music of an Australian legend for young audiences, who may not know him otherwise”.
“Allen’s music is timelessly relatable; he poured his heart and soul into it, the good and the bad,” Andrew said.
“I hear a few bars of any Allen song and remember every word – something I think some modern songs lack, memorability.”
Andrew praised Theatrical for “conveying Allen’s life tastefully and authentically,” highlighting their portrayal of Garland’s death, Stonewall, and the AIDS pandemic – a time that “significantly impacted the arts and its community in Australia.”
The Boy From Oz is joyous, proud, colourful, and educational. I am sure it will touch your heart as it did mine.
To purchase tickets visit here – be sure to bring tissues and maracas (of course)!
And if you love The Boy From Oz, be ready for Theatrical’s A Chorus Line; a captivating concept musical that embodies the excitement and pressure of a Broadway chorus audition in September 2024.
A Chorus Line delves into the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers and delivers one powerful number after another.
The show features some returning The Boy From Oz cast members, including trio member Sylvia Kokkinos, known for Catch Me If You Can (PLOS).
“I am excited to work with Theatrical again, a production company so conscious of inclusion and comfort,” said Kokkinos.
“It’s a story I connect with so much.”
“It’s literally a story about our [acting] lives and exactly what we go through… few shows acknowledge this space they exist in – it’s so niche – and must-see.”
Theatrical believes live theatre is for everyone, welcoming community members of all backgrounds, experience levels, and abilities to participate in their productions or join the audience.
To check out The Boy From Oz, A Chorus Line, or to learn more – check out Theatrical. here.
留言