The Boy from Oz Bedazzles Noosa Arts Theatre
On the playbill for Noosa Arts Theatre’s final season of the year, The Boy from Oz celebrates the life and legacy of Peter Allen. Discover the story of Australia’s entertainment icon and the creative vision behind it.
The life of Peter Allen was kaleidoscopic. From his childhood performances in country pubs in the 1950s to his infamous camel ride on stage at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall in the 1980s, the iconic Australian singer-songwriter and entertainer has captured the hearts of audiences everywhere.
His career in showbiz catapulted when golden girl Judy Garland discovered the Allen Brothers, his early double act with singer-guitarist Chris Bell.
After she invited the duo to open for her American concert tour, Peter’s flamboyance, charisma and award-winning theatrical talent launched him into international stardom.
Nowadays, most of us know him best for inspiring Aussie patriotism with his song, ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ – somewhat of an unofficial national anthem.
His cultural status only solidified when the biographical musical, The Boy from Oz, hit stages across the globe after his death in 1992. From early Australian productions starring Todd McKenney to Hugh Jackman’s Tony Award-winning season on Broadway, Peter Allen’s colourful life story is now touching down at Noosa Arts Theatre.
Directed by local visionary Ian Mackellar, The Boy from Oz pays homage to the performer with a bright, toe-tapping experience featuring Peter Allen’s best-loved hits – ‘Quiet Please, There’s a Lady On Stage’, ‘Not the Boy Next Door’, ‘Everything Old is New Again’, ‘I Honestly Love You’, ‘I Still Call Australia Home’, ‘Tenterfield Saddler’ and ‘I Go to Rio’.
Inspired by Peter Allen’s poignant lyrics and moving instrumentals, Ian’s musical will transport us on an emotional, humorous and entertaining journey. Revisit Peter’s skyrocketing career under Judy Garland, his three-year marriage with her daughter Liza Minnelli and his flourishing relationship with model and concert crew member Greg Connell.
Sam Henderson leads the vibrant cast, drawn from local Sunshine Coast talent including Aaron Sinclair as Greg Connell, AJ Wildley as Liza Minelli and Oriana Packman as Judy Garland!
Choreographer Nicole Kaminski breathes life into Peter’s show-stopper numbers, Lighting Designer Travis Macfarlane weaves his magic into a stirring lighting design and Costumer Designer Margaret Courtney dazzles us with fabulous costumes.
As the publicity officer on the Noosa Arts Theatre Committee, Maria Karambalas has brought her extensive TV and theatre background to six shows at the venue. She’s eager to see The Boy from Oz brought to life on the local stage as one of the last productions closing out the theatre’s 2022 program.
“The audiences will come away uplifted and I’m sure will have a great time, as we all need some joy with what’s going on in the world today,” she said.
“Every time we have a show, I’m always thrilled to hear audiences stepping out and telling us how fantastic we are as a community theatre. We are gaining new audiences every year, which is what we strive to do.”
The Boy from Oz bedazzles the Noosa Arts Theatre from October to November. Come along and celebrate this year’s stellar final performance!
Gala Opening Night
Friday 28 October, 7.30pm
Tickets: $60pp including complimentary drink and nibbles
Matinees: 29, 30 October and 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 November, 2pm
Evenings: 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19 November, 7.30pm
Tickets range from $28 – $40
Adults – $40
Concession – $33
Member/Group – $30
Under 18s – $28
Some sessions have already SOLD OUT! So don’t delay! BOOK NOW!
