TBFO - Regional Show(s)

[jo]

Is this the beginning of regional shows/tours of THE BOY FROM OZ?

Somewhere in North Texas, a reincarnation of the show is taking place.

www.theaterjones.com/ntx/features/20140720094757/2014-07-20/Getting-His-Name-in-Lights


Jo

[mamaleh]

From the photo, it appears the costuming is taking a page from the Australian arena tour. I hope the regional production does well and introduces Peter Allen's music to more people.

Ellen

[jo]

It might add more to the appeal of the show, assuming it has the potential of going on country/city tours, if they restore "Tenterfield Saddler", as a musical explanation that a talented someone from parts unknown can build a glittering career in a city like New York ( and also the West Coast)!


Jo

[jo]

artsblog.dallasnews.com/2014/07/nancy-churnins-top-five-hot-d-fw-theater-picks-boy-from-oz-dogfight-and-more.html/

Looking for a hot show to check out this week? Here are the five shows I’m most excited about seeing this week and that I think you’ll be, too.

My first pick is THE BOY FROM OZ. It was a coup for Uptown Players to score the regional professional premiere to this musical about Oscar-winning songwriter Peter Allen, who was married to Liza Minnelli. That’s right, how would YOU like to have Judy Garland for a mother-in-law? Kind of cool that Dallas will be the first city to present this show, which had its rights locked up since it won a Tony Award for Hugh Jackman in 2003. Opens Friday, runs through Aug. 10 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas.

Maybe the rights to the show were allowed because Hugh has decided that he no longer wants to reprise the show? After the arena tour in 2006, he was quoted as saying he may want to reprise it in NYC on a limited run but at a much larger place like RCMH. And maybe Back on Broadway has become the show which he would be more interested to do, if he wants to do similar type of entertaining?

Also, on the ad shown on this page, it indicates that the show is running only from July 25 to August 10 - only slightly over two weeks. Is this normal for touring shows ( assuming this one might be) -- otherwise it might be difficult to recoup -- the shows require a fairly large cast and lots of costumes ( including the Rockette lineup in the photo - which is another indication that the show may have adopted some changes made by the arena show -- the presence of more than one Rockette).

[birchie]

Jul 21, 2014 17:44:19 GMT -5 jo said:

artsblog.dallasnews.com/2014/07/nancy-churnins-top-five-hot-d-fw-theater-picks-boy-from-oz-dogfight-and-more.html/

Looking for a hot show to check out this week? Here are the five shows I’m most excited about seeing this week and that I think you’ll be, too.

My first pick is THE BOY FROM OZ. It was a coup for Uptown Players to score the regional professional premiere to this musical about Oscar-winning songwriter Peter Allen, who was married to Liza Minnelli. That’s right, how would YOU like to have Judy Garland for a mother-in-law? Kind of cool that Dallas will be the first city to present this show, which had its rights locked up since it won a Tony Award for Hugh Jackman in 2003. Opens Friday, runs through Aug. 10 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas.

Maybe the rights to the show were allowed because Hugh has decided that he no longer wants to reprise the show? After the arena tour in 2006, he was quoted as saying he may want to reprise it in NYC on a limited run but at a much larger place like RCMH. And maybe Back on Broadway has become the show which he would be more interested to do, if he wants to do similar type of entertaining?

Also, on the ad shown on this page, it indicates that the show is running only from July 25 to August 10 - only slightly over two weeks. Is this normal for touring shows ( assuming this one might be) -- otherwise it might be difficult to recoup -- the shows require a fairly large cast and lots of costumes ( including the Rockette lineup in the photo - which is another indication that the show may have adopted some changes made by the arena show -- the presence of more than one Rockette).

This is great news for me! As I've mentioned, I go to a lot of regional theater since I can't get to New York, so it will be great if one of the theater groups in my area takes on TBFO!
Jo, regional theater productions tend to be short runs...2 weeks to a month. This doesn't sound like a tour but a regular production by a local theater group. Once the rights to a show are released theater groups (and schools) get the rights to do the show in their area. As for the number of Rockettes, it just depends on if the theater group has enough performers signed up to have more than one. That was the one thing I didn't like about the Broadway version. You'd think they could have had a few at least! smiley-rolleyes010

There are several good theater groups in my area but there's one local group that does musicals very well. With good material they are as good as any! I wrote about them doing Les Miserables last year which I went to with friends and we all loved it. It was just announced recently that they won a couple of awards for that production too. They did that about a year after Cameron Mackintosh expanded the rights to regional theaters shortly after the movie was done. I think TBFO would be a good fit for that group so I hope it happens. I'll keep you all posted if it does!
Sue

[jo]

Hope you get your wish, Sue! Any regional production will find the songbook quite popular because they were pop culture hits way back when.

Re the Rockette lineup ( one vs many) -- it would have been very expensive to have cast a long line of leg-kicking dancers on Broadway ( as it was, it took the entire year's run to get the show on break-even level -the musical hardly made money). Instead they used the trick with mirrors to show repeating images ( like a kaleidoscope).

In Australia, they used a different trick. When Hugh asked his Rockette dancers to line up, he laughingly proclaimed : " It's not straight!"

Here's why --

kelleyabbey.net/boyfromoz.html

I also loved creating the rockettes sequence with 15 boys dressed as rockettes to make the line of 30. It was hard to choreograph the length of steps it would take for Hugh to run across the stage as my legs are incredibly short in comparison to Hugh’s leg span. Afterall he is over 6 foot and I am only 5 foot 3!!

Hugh with the Aussie Rockettes, including some of the chorus boys




From the north Texas show --

[jo]

Hugh from the Australian staging --

[JH4HJ]

I'm thrilled that this show is finally available for local/regional productions. I hope one turns up closer to me. I have no desire to go to Texas - ever - but especially not in August. I am not a "hot weather" person, to put it mildly.

The young actor doesn't appeal to me, but I need to hear/see him sing/dance before I form a solid opinion. On looks alone, he reminds me of one of the Glee characters - Chris Colfer(Kurt Hummel) ? - the one with the unusually high voice.

I do find him talented, and endearing. Thank goodness he has sense of humor about it --



... and, of course, I like him for doing Not The Boy Next Door on Glee.



As for Alex, I wish him all the best.
I prefer this "look" to the one above (in the pineapple shirt).
(Can't say Liza or Judy "grab" me immediately either.)

Alex Ross, who plays Allen, says in some ways he has it easier than his co-stars.

“It’s a little more difficult for Janelle [Lutz] and Sarah [Elizabeth Smith] because Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland are more recognizable to audiences. They have such followings,” he says.

At the same time, Ross knows the show is on his shoulders. He has to sing, dance and entertain while ushering audiences inside Allen’s struggle with his increasing awareness of himself as a gay man. For Allen, accepting and revealing that part of himself brought the enormous risk of losing the career, the love and the life he had worked so hard to build.

Full article

I hope the show is a huge success, and just the first of many - all over the country.
Whatever brings more people to Peter and his music is - I'm all for it!!!

[chessie]

"I hope the show is a huge success, and just the first of many - all over the country.
Whatever brings more people to Peter and his music is - I'm all for it!!!"

Amen to that, Valerie! It's such a wonderfully entertaining show. I hope it proves to be a popular choice for regional theaters. It does, however - as we all know - require an extremely talented actor/singer/dancer in the lead to pull it off successfully. I hope it gets off to a great start.

Carol

[ADMIN]

A "teaser" from the Uptown Players - -



Looks like the Broadway version, not the original or Aussie tour productions.
What - no RIO??? C'mom. Are you kidding me? What kind of promo is that for TBFO?

[jo]

A school in Australia will present The Boy from Oz - a first!

Hugh sends them his best wishes!

www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/curtain-rises-on-celebritys-message-as-overnewton-college-students-get-ready-to-be-the-first-school-in-the-world-to-stage-the-boy-from-oz-musical/story-fngnvmj7-1227012955346?nk=2f17be4965720ddcaf46f10ad7cf016b


Cute student couple - portraying Peter and a Rockette!

Jo

[jo]

It looks like THE BOY FROM OZ is now performing on Long Island at Port Jefferson (north shore) through November 1?

long-island.newsday.com/things-to-do/theater/the-boy-from-oz-review-1.9387250

'The Boy From Oz' review

Updated September 23, 2014 3:27 PM
By STEVE PARKS [e-mail]





Steve McCoy as Peter Allen and Sari Feldman

Steve McCoy as Peter Allen and Sari Feldman as Liza Minnelli star in "The Boy From Oz" at Theatre Three, Port Jefferson, through Nov. 1, 2014 (Credit: Showbizshots.com / Steve Ayle)


It's no coincidence that "The Boy From Oz" closed on Broadway when Hugh Jackman's contract ran out.

Theatre Three director Jeffrey Sanzel auditioned no superstar Australians for the real-life role of Peter Allen. But, fortunately, he did cast Steve McCoy, who -- like Jackman -- has the charisma, not to mention singing and dancing chops, to carry the show, now making its Long Island premiere....

[JH4HJ]

Email excerpts from a friend who saw the show - -

Good weekend. Never been to Port Jeff. Lovely little village.

The theatre is lovely too. And guess what? The show was actually quite good. All three of us realized that the show itself does not depend on Hugh Jackman (though I could never disparage that great performance in any way). This guy wasn't Hugh or even close but he got the real stuff...the emotion -- plus he has a fabulous voice. Liza was also quite good and very reminiscent of the real person. Peter's Mom was really fine and did a bang up job, and Greg Connell had a wonderful voice, real emotion, and was perfectly cast. The only disappointment was Judy -- not even close to Garland in any way. But in the actress' defense, she has a great voice (not Judy in look or style - but great voice) and she aced most of the comic lines. But no.

Nevertheless....the whole cast was obviously excited and beyond glad to be doing those songs and playing those roles and it was totally infectious. Audience roared and applauded all through the second act and the direction was also good. Long standing O at the end -- and deserved.

Worth it for sure.

Glad to see that show can live on and produce the same feelings through the songs and the story of Peter, Judy, Liza and Greg. Rather than bring up bad comparisons -- the experience brought back the excitement and the emotion. Good on them.

I'm much too far away to catch this. I'd love to hear from anyone else who sees it.

[shelovespeter]

I see that no one commented on the excerpt about TBFO in Port Jefferson, NY. (Above) Still, I think I'll write a bit about my impression of the show. After all, this forum started out about not only Hugh, but Peter and HE was the boy from oz. Don't misunderstand. I adore Hugh...but it's Peter's story.

I went to see TBFO in Port Jefferson NY 8 days ago, along with my husband and a good friend who is also a big Peter Allen (as well as Judy Garland) fan. I went wondering if it was a good idea, knowing that it would be impossible for me not to compare. When it comes to Peter, well, I didn’t want to be disappointed – to have the spell of TBFO and Hugh on Broadway broken. But I couldn’t help but be excited. Even to just hear those amazing songs sung live again would be a thrill.

The producer did a great job. It followed the Broadway show exactly (without the playing with the audience that Hugh did, although I felt this guy was capable to an extent.) I actually liked the beginning and end BETTER than the Broadway production. It started out with the piano filled with framed pictures of all the characters. Then Peter came out and began to sing “All The Lives of Me”. One by one each of the characters came out as he was singing. Then as the song came to a close, one by one they each took their picture off the piano and walked off the stage. At the end of the show (after OBIG) the cast came out one by one with their pictures and placed them back on the piano before exiting the stage. Both beginning and end was VERY effective.

I have to admit, the first few scenes were tough. I didn’t want to compare, but let’s face it – I saw TBFO on Broadway 7 times. I spoke to Hugh about Peter, I made so many wonderful friends, it was one of the most magical years of my life. How did I expect this little local production to stack up to something that was a life changing experience for me? I hadn’t been able to listen to Peter’s music from the day he died until the first time I heard the songs pass through Hugh’s lips. He gave me the closure I needed for so long. How on earth was this actor going to stack up to that? Then ever so slowly I began to realize that is not what it was about. That is not why I was sitting in that seat. I was simply hoping to hold Peter close one more time.

Steve McCoy played Peter. Did he have the same energy as Peter? No…but who, with perhaps the exception of Hugh does? He did an extraordinary job and the chemistry between all the actors was amazing. All so talented – they could sing and dance and brought Peter’s story to life. The audience was mesmerized. They laughed and cried and cheered. I could get into specifics about each of the actors but I honestly don’t want to compare. Some I liked better, some not as much but they all, without exception, were brilliant. Considering the fact that these people probably only had a couple weeks to prepare and without the tools of Broadway at their disposal, I found it amazing.


As the show progressed – especially during the second act – I could feel myself becoming more and more emotional I was on the verge of breaking down from half way through. The “If You Were Wondering” and “I Honestly Love You” scenes with Gregory were both perfection. Also “You and Me” between Liza and Peter. By this point I believed it – totally. Then came Marion and little Petey with “Don’t Cry Out Loud” – OMG, the entire audience was captivated. She was brilliant! Then, of course came “OBIG” and it did me in. I didn’t expect to cry but the damn burst. My friend was also wiping his eyes and my husband turned to me with his eyes filled as well as he grabbed my hand. I think he thought he was going to have to mop me off the floor like the first time, but I did manage to hold it together better than that! Still, it worked…it really worked. As heartbreaking as it was, it felt wonderful to feel those feelings again because it meant that this actor had become Peter for me. It was incredible. We all walked out of there feeling like we had received a wonderful gift.

I'm now facebook friends with the performers who played Peter, Judy and Marion -- it's incredible how passionate they are about this show and how devastated they are that there are only 2 more shows. (Tonight and Nov. 1) It's had a very strong impact on all of them. The audience is out of their minds over it. These things make me realize, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Peter's music and story is one that many people will love, Hugh or no Hugh. After all, it's about Peter and his life. It as story that needs re-telling and his music needs to be sung.

If you read this, thank you!
Ret

[ADMIN]

@shelovespeter (and I know you do!) - Thank you so very much for posting your reaction to this regional production of The Boy From OZ. I hope there are many more productions so that many more people can share the experience we had with this play. Yes, it IS about Peter, his amazing life and his fabulous music. I doubt that anyone will ever top Hugh on the Charisma Scale for any of us - but I certainly want them to try. ...and I hope that one day I will get to see it again!

"Love Crazy" (Dress Rehearsal) from the Port Jefferson production of TBFO



Sort of "Love Crazy"-ish photos from Peter's early career Down Under...





BIG hugs to you, Ret! Thanks again.

[mamaleh]

Would so have liked to catch the Port Jefferson production, but couldn't fit it in. Ret, so good to hear from you. I loved reading your comments about the show. Sounds like the creatives had a great idea in using the photos and the people in Peter's life that way. By the way, I still have the pin you kindly gave me on Sept. 12, 2004. All best.

Valerie, thanks for sharing your friend's comments, too. Too bad the venue is a ways away during a very busy period. Hope another mounting materializes closer to home soon.

Ellen

[chessie]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, shelovespeter. I can well imagine your sense of trepidation before seeing this local production of The Boy from Oz, but it's really encouraging to hear what an enjoyable and emotional experience it was.

I was another Peter fan who hadn't been able to listen to his music after he passed away. The thought of never again being able to see him perform his songs made me shy away from listening to any of the recordings. Seeing Hugh "become" Peter on stage was a revelation. I realized that Peter's music was truly his legacy, and that it was meant to be listened to and enjoyed.

Since seeing Hugh portray Peter, I've had this crazy image of a cheeky little angel, dressed in a leopard shirt and gold lame pants, perched on Hugh's shoulder, ensuring that Hugh will be met with success in all his pursuits. It's nice to know that others involved in presenting the play share the same enthusiasm and appreciation of its central character. Peter's story is unique, and it deserves to be shared with as many people as possible.

Carol

[birchie]

Thanks so much Ret for sharing your experience with the Port Jefferson production of TBFO. Now I'm REALLY hoping one of the regional theaters in my area does the show! Went to a new play this month and we're going to Young Frankenstein on Halloween night!! That will be fun & the production has been getting great reviews. Have tickets to A Chorus Line in April & I think we'll be seeing Follies in March but I'll be keeping my eyes out for TBFO! There are several very good regional theaters in my area so it is possible.

It's amazing how Peter and his music are now going to live on even more by having these regional productions. I'm so happy that these shows are doing so well. Those opening & closing bits with the pictures sound wonderful. I wonder if that was written into the regional package. Usually the regional shows all have the same set of options, scripts, set design suggestions, guidelines etc so it would be nice to see that done here too.
Thanks again for your review.
Sue

[mamaleh]

Watching the clip from the Long Island dress rehearsal, I got to thinking: Which number do you think was better? "Love Crazy" in the Bway and now regional productions, or "Pretty Keen Teen" from the Australian arena tour? Most of us either saw the latter in performance or viewed the rehearsal press clip online.

Both are fun songs, but I'd have to give a slight edge to "Love Crazy" because of Hugh's out-there moves as Peter, trying to gain attention.

Ellen

[shelovespeter]

chessie, mamaleh, birchie and Valerie -- I love that there is finally some Peter chat going on here again!!! I wish all of you could have seen this production. I really hope there will be more and more of these in the near future. Let's face it, no one will compare with Hugh, but to keep Peter's memory and music alive, I'll take whatever or whoever will care enough to do this. The story is a good one and it seems to handle the test of time. That makes me very happy.

As far as my preference between "Love Crazy" and "Pretty Keen Teen"? I love them both but I too am partial to "Love Crazy". Maybe because I've heard Peter do this in concert, so I might be a bit biased because of that.;-)

So good to hear from you ladies! Thanks for reading my "review". I'm here to talk "Peter" whenever someone has the inclination to do so. Love to all!

[jo]

Another revival -- in Memphis!


www.commercialappeal.com/go-memphis/arts/stage-news/the-boy-from-oz-at-theatre-memphis-balances-drama-with-razzledazzle_36369273

[JH4HJ]

There is a production of The Boy From OZ "coming soon" to the Chicago area.

Pride Films and Plays will conclude its remarkable Summer Season with The Boy From Oz, the Broadway musical which tells the amazing life story of celebrated songwriter and performer Peter Allen. Featuring songs by Peter Allen, book by Martin Sherman and Nick Enright, Direction by David Zak, and Musical Direction by Robert Ollis, The Boy From Oz tells the exuberant yet heart-warming true story of a young Australian boy who loved to perform and ended up in the glamorous orbit of Judy Garland and her soon-to-be famous daughter Liza.

The Boy From Oz previews Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 6. Press opening is Friday, August 7 at 7:30. Press tickets are also available for Saturday, August 8 at 7:30. Regular performances are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 5 through August 30 only. Tickets are $25 Wednesday, $30 Thursdays and $40 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Seniors can save $5 per ticket. For tickets call Stage 773 (773-327-5252) or order online at stage773.com.

Chris Logan (Bailiwick Chicago’s Murder Ballad) plays Peter Allen, with Luke Meierdiercks (currently in PFP’s The Book of Merman) as his lover Greg. Michelle Lauto (Murder Ballad, Bailiwick) plays Liza Minnelli, with Michelle McKenzie-Voigt (The Glass Protégé, Giltterati) as Peter’s mother Marion.

13 year old Garrett Hershey plays young Peter. The ensemble includes Liz Bollar, Franki DiCiaccio, Gilbert Domaly, Zach Drane, Kiersetn Frumkin, David Kaplinsky, Cassie Nelson, Elissa Newcorn, Amanda Newman, Brad Senffner, Sydney Sarah Stier, and Wade Teschhauser

Their website here.

[jo]

I can understand why the show would have a broad appeal and why revivals/regional productions occur every now and then. Unlike other jukebox musicals ( like Mamma Mia!), TBFO is a musical biopic and there is drama in the life of the main character. The songs feel like they were written for the characters ( in some cases they probably were - such as "Quiet Please, There Is A Lady Onstage" which seemed like a true tribute to Judy from Peter) and in many cases, the songs seem to mark an important phase in the life of Peter. The songs do not feel shoehorned ( as sometimes happen in jukebox musicals).   The presence of cultural icons like Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli also strengthen the impact of the dramatic story.   

Plus  of course many of the songs do catch the ear of the audience and demonstrate their very popular appeal.  Occasionally overlooked, the dancing is also varied and is a magnet for some eye-catching costumes.

Hugh gave us a fresh look at Peter Allen without parody. I hope the new "Peter Allens " portray him in a similar light.

I wonder-- will the show ever come back as a revival on Broadway ?


Jo

[jo]

www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-bullen/the-boy-from-oz-at-stage-_b_7965548.html

Re the Broadway TBFO -- it did not have a year-long sellout track record. During the lean winter months of early 2004, the show's attendance dipped to the low 70%. The support from fans to keep the show going has been acknowledged by Hugh, whom he has generically called THE OZALOTS ( after the name of the official message board of TBFO that was the predecessor of this current message board). One of them was Maev who saw the show 200 times during that yearlong run! Even in his closing show speech, he had said Thanks to the fans of the show and Maev in particular.

[mamaleh]

HJ is definitely appreciative of his fans and has always been so.

Re TBFO, while getting ready for work this morning, I watched some of Hugh's ICONOCLASTS episode. When he enters the stage door of the Imperial Theater, he embraces a stagehand whom I remember very well from the '03-'04 run of TBFO. He asks Hugh if he's coming back to do the show again, to which Hugh replies, laughing, "That show nearly killed me." I would imagine that the cast of any regional production that runs for a while would echo that sentiment.

Ellen