Show Reports

[JH4HJ]

I didn't know about the OZalots, or The Red Board "way back when" - but I did have the thrill of attending three Broadway performances of The Boy From OZ, just before the show closed in September 2004.

The Tuesday night show (my "virgin" experience) was KILLER - to put it mildly. I was sitting in the second or third row on the left aisle. When "Peter" was talking about losing Greg he was standing right in front of me. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. Hugh/Peter was looking right in my eyes when he said, "What's a boy to do?" Then he took a beat, patted his chest, and said it again. It wasn't until I saw the show again the next day that I realized he didn't always repeat that line. It was my first experience of Hugh on stage, and already I had my own "personal" connection. How could I not love this man who brought my own dear Peter so vividly back to life for me?

These are the Show Reports posted for those performances:
[mamaleh - apparently, you were at one of the shows I saw!]

Show: September 7, 2004 - evening
Poster: TheYankeeChick

As mentioned in a previous post, tonight was my last visit to Oz (sniff sniff.) I have only been five times, which to any other theatre-goer is a tremendous amount, but to many Ozalots on this board is the average number of times they go in a week, but each one of my five times was better than the next, and tonight surpassed them all!
Instead of starting this post with my pre-show stage door visit, I'll fill in all the details (the ones I can remember clearly since I was in my usual Hugh-daze) of tonight's show. All the Lives of Me was fantastic, as usual. I will miss that anticipation of seeing the white towel through the darkness of the theatre make its way to the piano, and then the lights coming up and Hugh, in all his handsome glory, sitting there beaming. What a way to start!
During When I get My Name in Lights, it looked like Mitchell was nearly going to fall off the piano when he was doing his turns at one point, but that kid is a pro, even at 12, and managed to keep his balance and composure (although you could detect a wobble in his voice for that brief moment. I was so nervous for him!)
The late-comer was Jason, who just got back from Iraq two days ago (he flies helicopters for the Air Force.) He was very vocal and Hugh really took his time talking to him and his "friends of family." The other times I have seen the show, he always kept the late-comer schtick fairly brief, but tonight's seemed to go on for a few minutes. I thought it was going to turn into another "Bi-Coastal" moment! (I don't know if I could handle two of those in one show! LOL)
Stephanie and Isabel were wonderful, as usual, although both seemed much more quiet than usual. Normally I am always amazed at how powerful both their voices are, but tonight, they seemed allot more toned down. Nonetheless, they are truly talented women and will continue with great success in theatre after this wonderful journey is over Sunday.
The "Bi-Coastal" victim was Jason, the helicopter pilot. He was there with his girlfriend of 8 months (6 of those months he was deployed to Iraq.) So of course Hugh was teasing them about how they have been dating for so long, yet not seen each other for most of their relationship. Then he asked her (Marion) the usual "Have you been dancing with him yet?" Jason was actually quite a willing participant and went down to the front row and whipped off his suit jacket. Hugh then removed the leopard print shirt (sigh) and did the whole "humping with the shirt between my legs" sexy move that he does. It was a cute Bi-Coastal and at the end Jason got a standing ovation when he said that he was returning to Iraq in 10 days. Hugh made some kind of comment about him being in the army and coming to a Peter Allen concert and how he would like to "de-brief" Jason. In all, it was very funny and as always, sexy!
OBIG was moving, as always. Hugh seems to be on that adrenaline kick that many thought he would get during this final (sob) week. When I saw the show two weeks ago, he seemed more tired then than he did tonight. I suppose with only 7 left, he is putting all that he has into each one.
The show, like everyone I had seen before, was fantastic, to say the least, but it was my stage door experience tonight that made this bittersweet finale so grand for me.
I arrived at the stage door at 5 minutes to 4, thinking that I would be one of the first people in line, since when I went two weeks ago at 5pm, there were only about 4 people there before me. Well, I guess I underestimated how many people would be available on a Tuesday afternoon because by 4pm, all the "front row" spots along the barricade were taken. Kevin was there, and recognized me from two weeks ago, and gave me a hug and kiss. (I feel the need to interject here that he is such a gracious man. I know that he can seem like a toughie sometimes, especially when people try to take advantage of Hugh's generosity and time, but really, Kevin is awesome and funny as hell, and if he ever reads this board, I hope he comes to visit me in Jersey sometime!) About 30 seconds after I found my spot along the barricade, Deb from Saratoga arrived. I had never met her before today, but I can tell you now, I think I made a friend for life this afternoon. By the time Hugh finally arrived in his black SUV three hours later, we had shared our life stories, along with precious Hugh Jackman moments. (Deb, thank you so much for making three hours fly by! I hope my "pearls of wisdom" helped shed some light!)
During our conversation, I had mentioned that my goal for that afternoon (actually, my goal in life) was to get a hug from Hugh. I told Deb how it was my last show tonight and that I unfortunately could not even get back to the stage door this week because of my work schedule, and that all I wanted, more than an autograph, more than anything, was a hug from Hugh, but I was too scared to ask for one. Not just because I didn't want to seem pushy, asking for a hug, but because I physically could not speak whenever I was in the same proximity as him. All I could do was stare and shake. So Deb, bless her heart, said that she would ask for me, if I couldn't.
So, the time finally comes, and the black SUV pulls up to the curb and Hugh gets out of the car. Sadly, I cannot even remember what he was wearing because whenever I see him, all I can do is fixate on his eyes - those amazingly green eyes! He was talking with one lucky woman who got to wait by the door for him for what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only 1 minute, and then he started to make his way down the barricade towards me. For whatever reason, Kevin had taken a liking to me and Deb that afternoon, and knew both of our names, so as Hugh got closer, with Kev in tow, Deb yelled out (thank god for her voice when mine wouldn't work) "Hey Kev, Jackie is too scared to ask for a hug." To which Kev replies "Jackie's too scared?" And then, the crowning moment of my young life, HUGH goes "Who's Jackie?" At this point he is right in front of me and looking straight at me with those green eyes. I am slowly dying inside (ok, slight exaggeration, but it felt as if my insides were melting) and I barely got out "I'm Jackie." So he reached out, said something to the effect of "Hello love," (I had lost all faculty of senses at this point, so I really couldn't make out what he said) and hugged me!!! This would have been enough for me, I mean, he said my name (yes, my name was uttered from those heavenly lips) and he hugged me. But, to top it off and make my final trip to Oz the most wonderful of all, he kissed me on the cheek. Simple, soft, and all too quick, but a peck that will last me a lifetime! I was on cloud nine, and still am, and probably will be for quite some time. I know that many of you have probably received hugs and kisses before, maybe even several times, but it meant so much to me, on my last visit to the show, that I was able to get that from someone that I admire so much.
So, to Deb from Saratoga, my voice, thank you. To Kevin at the stage door who made me laugh for three hours this afternoon and inadvertently introduced me to Hugh, thank you. To the readers of this post who shared in my most treasured moment, thank you. To the cast and crew of The Boy From Oz who worked so hard for so long to bring us so much joy, thank you. And lastly, to Hugh, for inspiring, entertaining, and truly adoring his fans, and for teaching us that "If we are going to live, LIVE," thank you. It IS such a wonderful world of Oz, and although I will miss it, the memories will surely last a lifetime.
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Show: September 7, 2004 - evening
Poster: Mamaleh/Ellen

Good show report!
I was there, too, and you summed up the hijinks with Jason very well. That was indeed the closest I have ever seen Mitchel come to falling off the piano. His foot definitely extended beyond its border and he did wobble precariously for a split second. My heart was in my mouth (my motherly instinct, no doubt), but I was relieved to see him regain his balance.
Another difference: I had never before heard Hugh/Peter say "If you're gonna live, you live." I didn't know if the extra "you" slipped in inadvertently, or whether he just added it for emphasis. Perhaps he's throwing in things he's always wanted to say now that the run is in its last week. Interesting, though.
That was probably my last show until Sept. 12's. A good, solid one but nothing wildly outlandish.
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Show: September 8, 2004 - matinee
Poster: showchick

Wednesday was a rainy day in NYC, but the sun was shining bright inside the Imperial Theater! The matinee show opened with a loud ovation at the sight of Hugh entering the stage in the dark. I have found the audiences much more vocal and appreciative as the clock is winding down to the final performance.
The first latecomer was a woman in the left orchestra. When Peter asked her why she was late, she replied that she came late purposely to talk to him. I don't know if she was kidding, but he didn't spend any more time with her and moved onto someone he saw coming in at the back of the center-right orchestra. David was sitting too far back in orchestra for the spotlight to reach him, so Peter had him come down to the end of the aisle for a look-see and lots of flirtation. It turned out that David is from Sydney which delighted Peter to no end. Further interrogation revealed that David is a trader (which resulted in Peter falling onto the floor in a large sigh). At first, there was a little confusion as to David's sexual orientation, with Peter getting a notepad from Patrick (the conductor) and scribbling down David's phone number in Sydney, while telling the audience that no one should call David themselves. Soon we found out that David is actually a newlywed and his wife was at the show with him (more about that later). David also gave Peter his business card, which he promptly placed inside his pants. Finally, Peter sent David back to his seat and called out Mark (Dressah) to help him get the card out of his pants. He scolded Mark, saying that Mark was backstage programming David's number into his mobile phone. Of course, the audience was hysterical throughout.
Back to the show....the first act was marvelous as always. PJ was in for Mitchel, but everyone else was there. I've noticed during the past couple of shows that people audibly gasp when they see Isabel as Judy Garland. My mother had a priceless look on her face.....like she was seeing the real Judy reincarnated on stage before her eyes. When Stephanie arrived on stage as Liza, my mother commented to me that "she even SOUNDS like her", almost as if she was surprised. During intermission, one of the ladies behind us was telling her friend that the second act is "even better". My mother commented on how the first act was so good, she couldn't believe it could get better, which of course we all know it did!
The "Bi-Coastal" victims were Link and his wife (Lynette?), married 49 years. Peter made Link stand up and show off his suit, stating that this is the way to dress for the theater. Link kept trying to sit down while Peter chatted with Lynette, but you all know how that goes. Soon we had Link and Lynette dancing to Cole Porter (their favorite music). Peter then had the band play a sexier song and told Link to follow his moves. Peter took off the leopard shirt and started swinging it over his head, telling Link to do the same. Link took off his jacket and Lynette took it from him and placed it neatly on the seat. Peter loved this and scolded Lynette for cleaning up after Link. He made Link pick up the jacket and swing it over his head, all while dancing with Lynette. Then Peter had him take the jacket and place it around Lynette's waist, performing a bump-and-grind motion. It was hysterical. They were really good sports.
As he was getting ready to finish up "Bi-Coastal," he realized that he hadn't checked on David (the latecomer). He asked David if his wife was with him and asked her to come down to the front. She walked down and Peter commented on how cute she was and then proceeded to give her a kiss on the lips. I thought the girl was going to faint. She gave an "Oh My God" look to the audience before she went back to her seat.
The usual wave to royal boxes....but no opening of the pants today. (Boo hoo!)
The rest of the second act was beautiful. I find that I cry more often...perhaps knowing that the end is near is at the back of my mind. OBIG resulted in a loud and long ovation and Rio was exciting as always. At the very end during the bows, I noticed some cast members pointing to the royal boxes on the right. The people had donned red satin capes and full masks. It was hard for me to see, but I think they were dressed as the royal family. Please correct me if I'm wrong. If that was the case, VERY clever and done at the appropriate moment, without distracting from the show. Good for you....whoever you were!
The towel was thrown in the direction of David, but got hung up on the front mezz lights (I think). I'm not sure if anyone actually got it, but Hugh pointed to David when he saw it didn't make it to him. It was obvious that the towel was meant for David. I hope he was able to eventually get it and meet Hugh afterward.
After the show, I was waiting with my mother in the restroom line and the lady in front of her said that she couldn't understand why people would see the show more than once, but now she does. I just looked at my mother and said "See? I'm not nuts!". I think now they do "get it" and understand why I am enjoying this show so much.
I'll be at both shows on Saturday and the final on Sunday. I have a feeling I'm going to need lots of tissues and will be wearing waterproof mascara!
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Show: September 8, 2004 - matinee
Poster: Hughdacris

Great show report, Karen. Thanks.
I was there as well and I can answer your question about the towel. As I was exiting my seat in the front row mezz, the lighting lady came through and slid open the door access to those lights and retrieved the towel. A woman offered her $20 for it but she said no, she works there and had to turn it in.
As for the shenanigans in the right box -- it was a group of Ozalots and they were all decked out during Bi-Coastal, hoping of course that Peter would look their way. If Stephanie Block hadn't pointed to them at the end of the curtain call, Hugh would never have noticed. On purpose perhaps....
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Show: September 8, 2004 - matinee & evening
Poster: RockiMtnHi

I am apologizing in advance for the length of this posting.
Yes I was there for both the Matinee and Evening performances on 9/8. Showchick did a great job on the matinee "Show Report" and although I am also from Denver and was at the stage door, I was not one of the Royals in the box seats. I was in AA104 next to ValleyGirl (Leslie) and her Mom as well as the lovely Liz who was nice enough to sell me my matinee ticket so I could do a double header on my only trip to OZ. Thank you Liz. I also kept my eyes on the gold pants but nothing happened.
Did the stage door thing on 9/7 and arrived about 4:00 p.m. and with the exception of two women who took up almost all of the front barricade, everyone was absolutely wonderful. M & M (I promised you two I would not use your names but you know who you are) were so nice to me and really made me feel welcome. Kirsten, Linda and Lois, thanks for making it a great time. Since I had come sans a camera or anything to have signed, Kevin went in and got several playbills for those of us who needed them. That man should do standup comedy. Unfortunately since I had tickets to Wicked, I had to leave before his Hughness arrived but was advised by the pros to come back after Wicked ended and before TBFO let out to try for an autograph then. Wicked was great, by the way. Arrived back at the stage door at 10:15 and talked to Song Girl who told me about her "Bi-Coastal" moment and running barefoot across Times Square for chocolate during an intermission - only another chocoholic could relate. She pulled me right up next to her at the front of the barricade and showed me how to hold my program to get it signed, she was having her maracas (sp) signed. I wasn't prepared for the volume of people when the show let out; it was overwhelming. There was a man behind me that was so close I had to tell him we didn't know each other well enough for him to be that up close and personal. Security walked Matthew Broderick in to see Hugh and when Hugh finally came out, I actually did get his signature. Although I didn't have a Hugh moment, we didn't talk or make eye contact, it was great to see him in person, I probably would have been speechless anyway. I did hear him say something to Song Girl about chocolate. I was surprised at how thin and gaunt he looked but can only assume that is from doing the show 8 times a week for a year.
Did the stage door again on 9/8 before the matinee and again met some wonderful people and some of the same ones as the day before. Since it was raining, there weren't that many there and I came at 12:45 which was right before he arrived. Thanks to the nice girl who climbed up on the hydrant things and took pictures for me. Again M & M, Linda, Kirsten and the nice guy who was with his Mom and Sister from PA just to take pictures for them. I was lucky enough to get my CD signed too. We all shared our umbrellas and I am so happy to report there were no stage door horror stories at all in my 3 times there.
Lovely Liz took me for drinks after the matinee at the Marriott and saw me safely back in time to catch the evening performance.
9/8 evening performance started with an extremely enthusiastic audience, you could just feel the excitement building. I realize now why so many of you see it over and over again. There were a few changes from the matinee, just little things which is what makes theatre so different from film. No performance is exactly like any other.
The latecomer was Christine from Kansas who was behind me in the 2nd row. She said her Mom had treated her to the trip for her birthday and he was her birthday present so Hugh said, "I'm your birthday present?" and she said yes. He said they could discuss it later and laughed. He asked her if that was her Mom next to her and when she said yes, he asked why Mom was on time but she was late? She said she is always late for everything and he wished her a happy birthday.
Now I don't know about any of you but if my mother had treated me to a trip to NY and a play, you know what would freeze over before she would have let me be late unless it was to get to talk to Hugh. Personally I thought it was slightly contrived and she had it planned in which case - Congratulations Christine, it worked.
There was a huge ovation for Mitchel (what an incredible entertainer) at the end of the "Lights" number and since P.J. had performed in the matinee I was glad I got to see both of them. They are both so talented but Mitchel is absolutely fantastic.
The "Bi-Coastal"s were Roy and Warren from New Jersey. Their wives were with them but didn't dance. Roy was a chauffeur and Warren was in home improvement. There was some interaction and light hearted banter and both of them danced around a bit. When Hugh/Peter said, "Can I be Frank?" a guy further back in the audience said, "Yeah I'm Frank," and this really cracked Peter up. He then said he had a friend here tonight (Brian, David, I can't remember) and asked for a spotlight and for him to stand up, which he did and everyone clapped. Later on in the show he stopped and we all sang happy birthday to Christine and his friend.
He acknowledged the box and asked them to quit talking and to pay attention that there was a coat room and for a dollar they could check the coat that was hanging over the railing. I kept my eyes on the gold pants and he did unbutton them, oh my!
As all of you know, the rest of the show was fabulous. Enthusiastic clapping for "Quiet Please," and a long standing ovation after OBIG, I cried - it was just so touching. The towel went to his friend in the middle orchestra but I didn't see if he got it. Hugh Jackman is nothing short of extraordinary. I really get it now. I'm sorry I waited till so late to do this but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
My 2 days in OZ - Wicked and OZ and Hugh, oh my!
Deborah in Denver
P.S. I was told by M & M that by Thursday morning I would be trying to figure out a way to stay and see it again. I have to admit, you were right!

[mamaleh]

I was looking for the old show reports on the about-to-die red board and couldn't find them. Fortunately, we have Valerie to help us preserve some of those heady, once-in-a-lifetime memories. Sweet reading, thanks!

[JH4HJ]

Just FYI -- here's my Playbill (8 September 2004)



I was stunned (literally) after that first show and just sat in my seat trying to regain my composure (and the use of my legs). When I finally exited the theater (audience left), I saw the commotion at the Stage Door, but I couldn't handle it. I also saw Jason being swamped on the sidewalk by "fans" getting his autograph and taking snapshots with him. While he seemed a bit perplexed, his whole family were "game" and played along with the situation.

One thing I do remember vividly (if not verbatim) was during Peter's quizzing about Jason's late arrival. When Jason said he'd just returned from Iraq, Peter did a little gasp of astonishment. He surveyed the family and asked, "They plucked you out of Testosterone Central and plunked you down in the middle of my Queendom? Whatever were they thinking???" It was a riot.

[marymagdalene]

Just found my recaps!


Gretchen's Personal Thoughts on “The Boy from Oz” – the Broadway Musical Starring Hugh Jackman...


I have since found out a lot more about Peter Allen, with many thanks to the show. I definitely remember when “Legs Diamond” was on Broadway, and vaguely remember the blistering negative reviews that he received. I also remember when he died, and grieved for the thoughts of what other songs he could have written had he not passed away. I also vaguely remember from the obituaries that he had been ‘discovered’ by Judy Garland, and had been married to, and divorced from Liza Minelli.

Back in 1992, I think everyone knew these popular songs, as one frequently heard them on the radio: Olivia Newton-John’s “I Honestly Love You,” or Melissa Manchester’s “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” or Christopher Cross’ “Best That You Can Do (Theme from ‘Arthur’). Rita Coolidge’s “I’d Rather Leave While I’m in Love,” or even Frank Sinatra’s “You and Me (We Wanted It All).”

What I did not know about Peter Allen was that he was a consummate showman, and he was famous for finding people in the audience to joke around with. “Peter Allen: Captured Live at Carnegie Hall” is one CD that actually kept some of the Audience Participation, which is cool. I recently found a VHS copy of one of the concerts that Peter did at Radio City Music Hall, which is an extremely rare treasure. I watched a part of it, and it is incredible! I also recently acquired a DVD copy of it, which makes it a LOT easier for me to watch Peter in action.

From the beginning (November/December) when I started ‘lurking about’ on the show’s Forum/Message Board, various people were telling stories about the show, Hugh, and the other actors involved. It was there that I found out how people would come in late either purely by accident, or on purpose - just to get some attention from Hugh/Peter. Peter would have the Lighting Crew turn his Spotlight over to these people, and he would inquire to the circumstances why were they delayed. Most were embarrassed, but it was the cute sort of embarrassed, and they would explain why, so Hugh/Peter would recap what had happened until they arrived. As I said previously, there were also some people who would purposely arrive late, to get Hugh/Peter’s attention, also to possibly increase their chances for another go-round with Peter later. I have read there were a few that were snooty about it, in actual newspaper articles, where there were people who were actually READING THE NEWSPAPER while Hugh/Peter was inquiring of their tardiness. Now those people I would gladly throttle & strangle for their extremely ostentatious, pompous, and rude behavior.

One thing that I DO have to mention about this show is the interaction that Hugh Jackman has with the Audience. There were several occasions during the some of the audience interaction sessions some of the people who caught Peter’s attention from the side of his eyes, the Stage Manager, or whomever, got him to laugh hard enough to break concentration that he had to pause for a moment to collect himself. But no matter what happened in the audience, HUGH NEVER BROKE CHARACTER! To me, for someone who goes on stage 8 times a week, rarely breaking from the character he is portraying, now THAT is a sign of a brilliant actor!

The first song of Act 2 is “Bi-Coastal,” where Peter performs at the now long-defunct Cabaret night club called ‘Reno Sweeney,’ which I figure is named for a character in Cole Porter’s musical “Anything Goes,” and this is the song where Hugh/Peter has fun with a ‘victim,’ which is usually someone that Hugh/Peter gently poked fun at or teased earlier in the show. Some of the “Bi-Coastal” moments that I have read on the Message Boards are HYSTERICAL!

I have seen this show four times at matinee performances, and they are as follows: April 21, June 9, July 21 & September 11. Of the four shows, three shows definitely stand out in my mind, which are the matinees of April 21st, July 21st & September 11th. I regret to say that June 9th’s “Bi-Coastal” did not thrill me, as it was obviously neither memorable, nor as hysterical the April or July performances were. Nor was it as poignant as the matinee on September 11th, for other reasons of which I will enlighten shortly…

4/21 Matinee –
April 21, which happens to be my Birthday, I was in Orchestra Left, Row B, Seat #9, a mere 3 rows away from the Stage, and this was a Christmas present from my parents. My Mom, who got her ticket later, was in Orchestra Right, Row O, I believe. Since this was my first time seeing the show, I had no true idea what to expect, but thanks to the Forum, I did. While I was sitting in my seat, I met two very nice ladies who happened to be another mother/daughter pair sitting to my left, who had come up from Virginia to see both this & “The Lion King.”

Peter was teasing some people in the front rows for various purposes, which has, needless to say, been forgotten for the upcoming reason. Peter had just begun playing the grand piano and singing “Bi-Coastal” when a lady unexpectedly threw a little box onto the stage. Of course, that intrigued Peter, who said “What the H*** is that?” stopped everything and sashayed over to where it landed. Peter picked up the box, opened it, and was completely flabbergasted. He opened the box, and withdrew a red G-String! “The latest in super-hero wear,” Peter joked around (a reference to his portrayal of ‘Wolverine’ in the “X-Men” movies), as he inquired the audience who threw this? Sunny, the perpetrator, stood up and became this day’s ‘victim.’

Sunny timidly requested if he could put them on, and he promptly proceeded to put the G-string OVER his BLACK pants! Peter kept mentioning that they were so snug and body-hugging. Peter was shimmying along with whatever music the Orchestra was playing, and the audience roared with laughter, especially when he pranced across the stage, from one end of the stage to the other, while turning around and shaking his booty at the audience!

Peter questioned Sunny about her, and he advised Sunny that since he did this for her, could she do something for him? Sunny said ok, and Peter requested could she take off her blazer to some music and twirl it over her head? I will even take my leopard shirt off at the same time you take off your blazer. Mind you, all of this was in good fun, of course. Sunny was hesitant, but she was a good sport and as the Orchestra played ‘Night Train’ or whatever that famous stripping melody is called, she did what Peter asked. She was a good sport, considering that she got herself in this situation, and she got a good round of applause after her routine. I understand that Sunny got Hugh’s autograph, and her picture taken with him, after the show at the Stage Door.

June 9th -
I do not recall anything particular about this performance, other than the fact that Hugh had just won the Tony Award on Sunday...
But Mom & I were at the stage door before the performance, and as neither of us had eaten anything prior, we had lunch at the place across the street from the stage door. I wanted to get a VHS copy of X-2 autographed for a friend, whose birthday was the next day. I left lunch with Mom, and ran across the street JUST as Hugh was about to go into the theatre, and I asked Hugh to sign X-2 for me, which he most graciously did, and even signed it to the giftee! I thanked him VERY MUCH, and returned to the restaurant where Mom was eating... I know we stood outside the stage door after the show, and after a while, we left to go home to CT.
When we got home, Dad mentioned that maybe he should see the show to see who stole his girls from him. As Dad said that, Mom and I looked at each other and I said, "Oh, we are going to take you to go see him when we go on vacation in July!" And we did!

July 21st -
Mom & I brought Dad to see the phenomenon that Hugh is. After Mom & I came home from the June 9th performance, Dad told both Mom & me that he decided he just HAD to see who had stolen us away from him, and why. Mom & I looked at each other and told Dad that we had already planned to during both Dad’s & my vacation week in July. For those who might not know, my Dad & I happen to commute to work together, and we tend to take the same weeks off together. This was a particularly good show for Dad to see Hugh and the charisma he exudes. Dad absolutely LOVED the show, which is a good thing for both Mom & me, yes?

There were several people coming in late, at various times, so Peter guided them in “Excuse me, pardon me, sorry!” Another lady, who came in late, named Debbie, was in Row E, figures in the “Bi-Coastal” exchange. Today’s “Bi-Coastal” moment occurred when Peter noticed there was an empty seat in Row E, and Peter wanted someone from the Balcony to sit there. All of a sudden, there was this man walking down the aisle, totally surprising Peter. His name was Tom, who happens to be an Actor from California.

So Peter handed Tom the microphone, and asked him to sing a love song to Deb. At first, Tom mentioned that he liked Rodgers & Hammerstein, and wanted to do something from “Oklahoma!” However, Tom did not want to do “People Will Say We’re in Love,” so he chose “Surrey.” After Tom chose the song, Peter happened to mention that should Tom forget the lyrics, he could assist! (Hugh happened to be in London’s production of “Oklahoma!” a few years earlier.) Tom had a decent voice, and took to the microphone like a duck to water, while someone in the Orchestra started playing the song on the keyboard.

On top of that, it was then that Peter asked both Deb and Tom to do a rather sexy dance while Tom was singing! Once Tom finished singing to Deb, and they appropriately get their round of applause.

Peter noticed the people in the Left Royal Box, and asked if they were enjoying the show… Ron, who was sitting there, said that he was having a blast. Somehow, Ron mentioned that he was an Interior Decorator, so Peter asked Ron how would he decorate the Box, and Ron referred that he would change the drapes. At the end of every show, after “Once Before I Go” Peter had a towel draped over his shoulders, and throws it to someone in the audience, and Ron was the recipient for today’s matinee.

Mom was sitting on the edge of her seat during this performance, as she knew that it would be her last time seeing the show before it closed on September 12th, as she going to New Zealand & Australia in September. Mom has told me several times since, if she had not already made plans to go to New Zealand & Australia, she would have been to see “TBFO” a couple more times. Which brings me to the September 11th Matinee.


September 11th -
Like Mom, I was also getting ready to believe that July 21st was going to be my final time seeing “TBFO” but someone on the Forum mentioned that she had some spare tickets for the September 11th matinee, of which I purchased one. This was a doubly poignant day, as not only was this matinee the 3rd to last performance of “The Boy From Oz” starring Hugh Jackman, it also was the 3rd Anniversary of ‘9/11.’ Considering that I was mere miles away from Ground Zero, it was a most somber day. It was because of that reason I chose to stay away from there, and since it was a Saturday, I knew that it would be particularly more crowded than usual. As Mom, Dad & I were going to be seeing “The Lion King” on October 8th, we were planning to there anyway, as neither Mom nor Dad had been there since before that fateful day. Besides, it was not as urgent for me because I had been five days after with my brother and a couple of friends.

I had actually brought four little packages of Kleenex with me, as I knew that I would be bawling by the end of the show. There happened to be a pair of delightful little old ladies who had never seen the show before, so I mentioned to them that they would need tissues, so I gave them one of my packs. They told me afterwards that they did indeed need them. I just smiled through my tears. They totally understood.

The lady sitting to my left had come all the way from California to be here for this show, if not the entire weekend. I think that she told me that this was also her 4th time. As I have previously mentioned, as this was the 3rd to last performance, there was much more emotion swirling throughout the audience.

Today’s “Bi-Coastal” moment featured an older couple who was sitting in the Orchestra Left Front Row and they were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary! When Peter heard that, Peter had them go into the aisle, and had the Orchestra play a slow dance to celebrate. The couple asked Peter to have the Orchestra play “As Time Goes By” and Peter got the entire audience to sing along. On top of that, Peter forgot some of the lyrics, so he was humming along until he got to a point where he remembered the lyrics. The couple got a huge round of applause after their dance. In addition to their dance, Hugh got the Polaroid camera from backstage so he could take a picture of the couple, which he then presented to them.

The show continued with the song “Everything Old is New Again,” which is when Peter is performing at Radio City Music Hall, and dances with the Rockettes. During the instrumental part, there are several triangular revolving mirrors giving the illusion that there are more than the five or so Rockettes dancing on the stage. Peter and the Rockettes have moved up to stage front, when all of a sudden, one of the revolving mirrors falls! The entire audience gasps in shock and horror! Peter/Hugh and the Rockettes hear our gasps, and turn around to see what had happened. It only takes a short time for the crew gets the mirror up, and this is when we find out that people are inside these mirrors making them spin! Fortunately, the person operating the mirror was unscathed, the mirror intact, also got a round of applause. Oh, talk about a scary moment!

“Once Before I Go” is always a heart-wrenching song, but as soon as the powers that be announced that “The Boy from Oz” was closing due to the fact that no one could unequivocally follow Hugh’s shoes in this role, it became an even more heart-wrenching song. I swear that once Hugh finished singing this song, at this performance, Hugh got at least a good, solid five-minute standing ovation.

Then Peter says ‘“And then, curtain. It was over. But that’s not important. The important thing is that I lived, and if you’re gonna live... LIVE. And if you’re gonna go – and let’s face it, you’re all gonna go – don’t go quietly. Go out in the spotlight! Go out shaking your can, bending your wrists, singing your own songs, and wearing a brand-new Hawaiian shirt! ONE! TWO! THREE!’” and Peter goes off stage.

The Orchestra starts playing “I Go to Rio,” and the Ensemble comes out for their curtain call, then the main characters walking down a gigantic piano keyboard staircase, ending with Peter in a Red Sequined shirt with white pants, shaking a pair of maracas.

Critics buried the show with malevolent reviews, but they praised Hugh. In fact, they told everyone to see it ONLY for Hugh. To tell you the truth, I do not think that the storyline was all that dreadful, but after the brilliant spectacles of the falling chandelier in "The Phantom of the Opera” or the helicopter in "Miss Saigon," or "Les Miserables" incredible rotating stage and collapsing barricade, then of course “The Boy from Oz" could easily be considered both lackluster and uninspired.

But then you are missing so much more! This is such a wonderful love story that I think supersedes anything else that the critics could ever think to critique. “The Boy from Oz” has, in fact, two significant love stories: Boy/Girl, and Boy/Boy. There also are several other love stories within the main story also, but maybe not as obvious as the previously mentioned two, which are as follows: ‘Mother/Son,’ ‘Brother/Brother,’
‘Mentor/Protégé,’ and last but not least, ‘Soul Mates,’ which are all extraordinary.

Mom & I have discussed on several occasions about the love that Peter and Liza had for each other were more on the "Soul Mate" level as Peter & Liza undeniably had a really profound connection with each other. So much so, that when Liza left Peter, Mom and I think that Liza lost the anchor that Peter was to her, especially after Judy died. When Greg died, the person who saved Peter was Liza, who became Peter’s anchor.

Cases in point:
1) Peter saved Liza from Judy (“Come Save Me”), and Peter promised Liza that “‘Baby, I will nevah leave you.’”
2) Liza left Peter (“I’d Rather Leave While I’m in Love”).
3) Liza saved Peter from himself after Greg’s death (“You & Me – We Wanted it All”).

Throughout all this, the only time that Peter left Liza, was, unfortunately, Peter’s death. They saved each other, yet they each left the other, in one way or another. To love one person THAT much, I think, is the truest testament that one can show to someone else.

[foxie]

such moments wonderful!!!!

[jo]

Oops, we forgot the 9th anniversary of the show closing (September 12, 2004) -- I guess we were all busy reading on Hugh's publicity trail for PRISONERS

But memories of that last performance still brings a twinkle in our eyes and a little choked recollection in our throats!

Hugh has certainly come a long way since then - in his film career, his stage career, and even his hosting gigs!


Jo

[foxie]

Well here it is again Al Roper said yesterday it has been 10 years since it snowed on St Patricks Day yes unbelievably that is right that was the first time I saw The Boy From Oz and sort of met Hugh Jackman the first day of quite a ride!!Many wonderful friends and a lot of joy!!

[mamaleh]

How well I remember that "shamrock shorts" matinee, the shorts revealed to enthusiast audience applause as Hugh removed his trousers pre-"Sure Thing Baby." Such a fun day. That was the only performance of the show, by the way, that my daughter attended.

She couldn't see what all the fuss was about--but I love her anyway.

Ellen

[foxie]

I thought I would choke to death I just remember yelling"oh my god" when he walked out what a day!

[njr]

Mar 15, 2014 11:40:13 GMT -5 foxie said:

Well here it is again Al Roper said yesterday it has been 10 years since it snowed on St Patricks Day yes unbelievably that is right that was the first time I saw The Boy From Oz and sort of met Hugh Jackman the first day of quite a ride!!Many wonderful friends and a lot of joy!!

Yeah, that was also my first time seeing Hugh (matinee). Stood out in the freezing cold (29 degrees) and snow at the stage door. Luckily I got to get a photo with him! Photobucket is messing up for me now or I'd post the pic. Great memories!

Nancy

[JH4HJ]

Wow - ten years ago. It's hard to believe it's been that long.

[mamaleh]

He hadn't quite lost that boyish look yet--very cute. Thanks for posting such gorgeous photos to remind us of that lovely year, Valerie.

Ellen

[jo]

And we know that he started wearing the gold lame pants after he wore them at the TONYs --




First time that I have seen this photo



Compare with the usual publicity shot from the show --





Jo

[ruby]

May 8, 2016 5:05:09 GMT -5 jo said:

And we know that he started wearing the gold lame pants after he wore them at the TONYs --




First time that I have seen this photo



Compare with the usual publicity shot from the show --





Jo

That picture is from the BFO arena show.

[jo]

But he did wear gold lame at the Imperial after the TONYs, didn't he?

Jo

[njr]

May 8, 2016 9:57:35 GMT -5 jo said:

But he did wear gold lame at the Imperial after the TONYs, didn't he?

Jo

I thought so. I'm sure someone can come up with a photo.

Nancy

[mamaleh]

Yes, as I recall he started wearing the plain gold pants (no black stripe) the Tuesday following the '04 Tony's.

Ellen

[jo]

We know he also returned with the gold lame for Back on Broadway ( ha - what memories for me when he visited our box...and sat on my lap !) -- but I did not know a Hugh bear as Peter Allen from Back on Broadway was auctioned off by BC/EFA!





Cute as a button

[jo]

He wore the gold lame with the stripes ( it looks like leopard print, too) at the TONYs -- didn't he wear this at the Imperial afterwards?

[mamaleh]

Huh--the tricks memory plays. I could have sworn they were solid gold lame. But from the Tonys photo, doesn't it seem like the stripe is much less understated than the Oz version two years later?

Whatever, it's nice to look back and remember that perfect marriage of actor and role.

Ellen

[jo]

Not only the perfect marriage of actor and role... but Hugh really worked hard at it! He created laughs so spontaneously  as well as swoon-worthy moments so effortlessly.

I remember during my own Bicoastal moment on Broadway ( My friend and I were ID'ed by Hugh) -- right after we "danced" the bump and the grind ( you'll never guess how mortifed I was to do that ) -- he slumped down to the edge of the stage and asked the two of us  " Kiss, kiss, Girls ". Lol - if a stranger did that to us, we would probably leave in a huff at the very least. When Hugh Jackman does it -- we fly to the end of the stage in half a second flat and offer our cheeks as fast as we could smiley-love029


Jo

[jo]

Not a show report -- but the photos of Hugh wearing his iconic TBFO costume resonate in this image :






Guess who the lady is who is wearing the Ozalot print ( aka leopard spots)

It is Stacey Snider, the new boss ( Chairman and CEO) at FOX, after Jim Gianopulos leaves in June 2017! She will likely oversee the GREATEST SHOWMAN ON EARTH to its completion and release as filmed entertainment

Hope she is an Ozalot at heart and becomes fully supportive of the film project!


Jo