Peter Allen certainly wasn't the boy next door, and it's only natural his incomparable talent be celebrated in the fabulously flamboyant 'The Boy From Oz' at Brisbane Arts Theatre.
'The Boy From Oz' is a jukebox musical – instead of using original songs created for the show, it told Peter's story through music he wrote himself throughout his career. He grew up with an ear for piano and singing, crafting songs himself. Eventually he was discovered by the people who would, soon enough, turn him into one of the greatest Australian singer-songwriters of all time.
Peter – played by the hilariously charismatic William Toft – narrated the show from start to finish, stopping the action every so often to bring the audience up to speed on what was happening. He did this with a likeable charm, reacting to applause and cheers while maintaining the energy in the theatre.
Brady Burchill did an outstanding job portraying Peter as a young boy, as he tap-danced and sung his way through 'When I Get My Name In Lights' and sent the audience into eruptions of 'aww's and applause each time he performed.
Peter's music fit the show beautifully, with songs such as 'I Honestly Love You', 'Once Before I Go', 'I Still Call Australia Home' and the crazily catchy 'I Go To Rio' performed among dozens of others.
On each side of the stage was a screen providing visuals between scenes, including shots of Radio City in New York and news reports of Judy Garland – the mother of Liza Minnelli, Peter's ex-wife – after her death. This was a fascinating element to the performance, giving audience members the chance to see snippets of real-life footage and coverage of events back in Peter's time.
The Brisbane Arts Theatre truly put on a lovable, funny and touching performance, giving Peter Allen the praise, respect and recognition he deserves. Each cast member delivered emotive and inspiring performances as Peter's relatives, friends and lovers, building around him a world of rapturous success and wonder.
'The Boy From Oz' delightfully captured each up and down moment of Peter Allen's life, and celebrated the legacy of a man who was well and truly loved for being exactly who he was.
Four out of five pianos!
‘The Boy From Oz’ performs Brisbane Arts Theatre 5 March - 23 April.
