THE BOY FROM OZ
Despite it being almost 20 years since Peter Allen passed away, the showman’s music continues to lift spirits and stir emotions the world over. And Nancye Hayes’ latest concert edition of The Boy From Oz gives Allen just another chance to shine, with the louder-than-life entertainer’s talent taking centre stage to be the true star of this show. Featuring hits such as I Go To Rio, Tenterfield Saddler, I Honestly Love You, I Still Call Australia Home and Quiet Please, There’s A Lady On Stage, if you are a fan of Peter Allen’s music you will delight in this production. Todd McKenney once again takes on the awesome task of playing Allen and, although I really wanted him to be on the money with his portrayal, I couldn’t help but feel there was something lacking. Unsurprisingly, McKenney’s dancing was impeccable, and he was responsible for most of the well-delivered cheeky one-liners that were littered throughout the show. However, despite his obvious talent, I left the performance feeling slightly underwhelmed. I felt the script was somewhat disjointed, and found myself wanting to know more about Allen’s life. Instead of a well-developed story, the show comprised Peter Allen songs interspersed with scenes from his life that only just scratched the surface. The end result was something that felt slightly incohesive and forced. It was almost as though the writers wanted to fit so much of this remarkable man’s story into a performance that they got lost along the way, and the execution suffers for it. That being said, the supporting cast were all outstanding, particularly Christen O’Leary as the fiery yet fragile Judy Garland and Fem Belling as Liza Minelli. The live band, which remained on stage for the entire performance, was excellent, and piano man and conductor John Foreman was as brilliant as ever. Overall, there are certainly some shining moments in The Boy From Oz, but nothing that does justice to the bright star that Peter Allen was.
Until Mar 17, Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket, $64.90-114.90, 1300 723 038, ticketmaster.com.au
