The Boy From Oz
Music and Lyrics by Peter Allen (and others)
Book by Nick Enright and Martin Sherman (Broadway adaptation)
Introduction
The Boy from Oz is a jukebox musical based on the life of singer/songwriter Peter Allen featuring songs written by him (as well as songs he cowrote with others). The original Australian production book was by Nick Enright and Martin Sherman adapted it for Broadway. The production had its world premiere at Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, Australia, in March 1998 and toured Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, playing to over 1.2 million theatre patrons. It ran for a total 766 performances over two years. The production starred showman Todd McKenney as Peter Allen and Divinyls frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett as Judy Garland and introduced Mathew Waters as Young Peter Allen.
The Boy from Oz began previews on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre in September 2003, and opened in October 2003 starring Hugh Jackman as Peter Allen. It closed September 2004, at the end of Jackman's contract. The musical played 32 previews and 365 performances and also starred Isabel Keating as Judy Garland and Stephanie Block as Liza Minnelli. Jackman won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical, and Keating won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical. The show also received nominations for four other Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
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Synopsis
Act I
The musical begins with Australian performer Peter Allen recalling his life story, coming to terms with who he was ("The Lives of Me"). Afterwards, we go back to Allen's childhood in Tenterfield, Australia, where a young boy named Peter Woolnough is performing in local bars for money ("When I Get My Name in Lights"). Peter grows up and joins with Chris Bell to become the Allen Brothers, and they perform in Australian Bandstand ("Love Crazy"). After great success in Australia, the Allen Brothers perform in a Hong Kong Hilton hotel to Chinese businessmen. One evening, another person is watching them from the bar: the legendary Judy Garland. Peter convinces Judy to perform with them ("All I Wanted Was the Dream"), and Judy takes Peter to be the opening act in her concert in New York ("Only an Older Woman").
While in New York, Peter is introduced to Judy's daughter, Liza, and they fall in love ("Best That You Can Do"). There are rumors of Peter's homosexuality, and Judy warns Liza of this ("Don't Wish Too Hard"). Liza gives no attention to her warning and marries Peter ("Come Save Me").
Peter makes some mistakes, and at one of his all night parties Liza walks in on him ("Continental American"), further fueling her suspicions that he is gay. Liza is working hard to get her career going ("She Loves to Hear the Music"), in contrast to Peter's excessive lifestyle. Judy dies, and Peter honors her ("Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage"). Liza's world comes crashing down as a result of her mother's death.
Liza confronts Peter on his alleged homosexuality, and their marriage ends ("I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love"). Peter returns to Australia but realizes that he is not who people thought he was ("Not the Boy Next Door").
Act II
Back in the US, Peter has gone solo and comes to terms with his homosexuality ("Bi-Coastal"). He meets the hardworking fashion model Gregory Connell. Greg does not want to be a part of Peter's life in show business, but he falls in love with Peter ("If You Were Wondering"). They soon get discovered by music producer Dee Anthony, and he gets them a gig at the Copacabana in New York ("Sure Thing Baby").
Peter's career takes off, and he wins an Oscar for Arthur's Theme, in addition to recording songs that were covered by artists Olivia Newton-John and Frank Sinatra. Peter gives his best performance in the Radio City Music Hall with The Rockettes ("Everything Old is New Again"), and is surprised to know his mother is also in love.
Greg becomes stricken with AIDS, and even though Peter tries to help him carry on, he succumbs to his illness ("Love Don't Need a Reason"). Peter also becomes sick with AIDS, but Greg's spirit urges him to carry on ("I Honestly Love You"). Liza offers her support to Peter, and they both realize they had successful lives and careers without each other ("You and Me").
Peter returns to Australia for a triumphant performance ("I Still Call Australia Home") and tries to tell his mother about his illness, but he can't find a way to tell her ("Don't Cry Out Loud").
Peter succumbs to his disease, and he reflects on his life realizing he has no regrets as he passes away ("Once Before I Go"), but not before going out in style with a farewell performance ("I Go to Rio").
Video
Original Broadway Cast (with Hugh Jackman) Act 1 (11 videos) Act 2 (11 videos)
Theatre Three full video of first US regional production (Portchester NY)
Not The Boy Next Door (TV special in two parts) Part 1 Part 2
