When it comes to Australian musicals it doesn’t get much bigger than the role of Peter Allen in ‘The Boy From Oz’.
Not only is it a physically demanding show – with ‘Peter’ dancing and singing on stage for several hours – it’s a role that has been linked to big name stars including Todd McKenney and Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman.
This May the Penrith Musical Comedy Company will present their production of this hit show at the Q Theatre.
The role of Peter Allen will be shared by two local performers, 13-year-old Luke Zoglmeyer, who will play the young Peter Allen; and Robert Hall, who will play the adult Peter Allen.
“It’s daunting really,” Robert laughed when asked how he felt about taking on such an iconic character.
The star of previous Penrith Musical Comedy Company productions, ‘Avenue Q’, ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Hairspray’, admits that the role will be challenging but rewarding.
“It does mean a lot to me because I’ve been performing my whole life, so to be able to somehow replicate some of the greats, it’s quite a privilege,” he said.
While Robert has been performing for years, this will be Luke’s debut musical role.
“My friend from my dance studio’s nan is involved with the Penrith Musical Comedy Company and she told me about the auditions, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to have a go,” he said.
“I haven’t been involved with any plays, but I have been doing musical theatre classes at my dance school.”
With lots of excitement, and a few nerves, Luke is hoping this role will be the start of a long musical theatre career.
“That’s my dream, to be in musicals,” he said.
‘The Boy From Oz’ originally premiered in 1998, with Todd McKenney in the role of Peter Allen.
In 2003 it became the first Australian musical to make it to Broadway, earning Hugh Jackman a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.
The show tells the story of the Aussie performer’s extraordinary life including his meeting with Judy Garland, his marriage to her daughter Liza Minnelli, his Oscar win, his coming out and his death from an AIDS related illness.
But of course the main focus is the music that made Peter Allen a star all over the world.
‘The Boy From Oz’ includes all his greatest hits such as ‘I Still Call Australia Home’, ‘I Go To Rio’, ‘I Honestly Love You’ and ‘Tenterfield Saddler’.
The Penrith Musical Comedy Company has produced more than 60 musicals since its formation in 1978.
The company has not only offered opportunities to local performers and theatre makers, but it has also given western Sydney audiences the chance to experience the magic of the musical in our own backyard.
Penrith Musical Comedy Company’s production of ‘The Boy From Oz’ will be on at the Q Theatre on Friday, May 27, Saturday, May 28, Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4. Adult tickets are $37, concession tickets are $32, and children’s tickets (under 16) are $22. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pmcc.org.au or www.thejoan.com.au.
