Peter Allen, Hugh Jackman, Jarrod Emick, Beth Fowler, Isabel Keating - The Boy from Oz (2003 Original Broadway Cast)

Peter Allen was an Australian gay man who was once married to Liza Minnelli and was still officially in the closet when he died of AIDS in 1992. It's obvious that when it comes to sheer drama, Allen's life is pretty hard to beat, and Hugh Jackman's portrayal in this bio-show terrifically brings home the music man's energy and inner contradictions. Too bad his life's intensity wasn't reflected in Allen's milquetoast songs, which are generously sprinkled throughout the show. Technically, Jackman's not the best singer (Brian Stokes Mitchell continues to rule Broadway in that regard), but his charisma is undeniable. His take on "I Go to Rio" is appropriately high octane, for instance, while "I Still Call Australia Home" (Oz's unofficial anthem) is rather poignant. As Judy and Liza, respectively, Isabel Keating and Stephanie J. Block try hard to emulate their models' vocal styles, which can be really distracting. Overall, though, this album is mostly for serious fans of either Allen and Jackman. --Elisabeth Vincentelli Amazon.com

Dazzling Broadway Debut

Hugh Jackman made an incredible debut as the legendary (if somewhat little known) Aussie singer songwriter. The problem with bringing this show to Broadway is that people basically remembered Allen for starring in the flop musical "Legs Diamond" (some of the songs are resurructed from that score) Although some somes are out of place and sung by the wrong character ("Don't Wish Too Hard was sung in the Australian production during Peter and Liza's wedding while Judy sings it here.
For future productions it should come later because it is a disco song.
And of course "The Best That You Can Do" was written in 1982)
Many of the "Ozalots" (the show's fans want it made into a movie. With Hugh's busy movie schedule and a possible return to Broadway while we'll have to see... May 10, 2008

Hugh Jackman: A Musical Theater Treasure

One of the most amazing shows I've ever seen, period!!! Hugh Jackman is an absolute musical theater treasure and is so absorbed in the role you think, at times, that Peter Allen is guiding his movemens and his expressions. Jackman has a perfect voice for this role, and the supporting cast is no less talented. The talented ladies who performed the roles of Judy and Liza had courage that equaled their ability. I saw the show three times and was time and again grateful for its enormous energy, its love and sympathy for its principal characters and, finally, the music of Allen. When Hugh sings "Once Before I Go," the audience jumps to its feet to give him a standing ovation that lasts and lasts and lasts. You don't think it'll ever end. Even Jackman seemed stunned. I hope that someone has the good sense to release this show on DVD so the average theatergoer will have the opportunity to see this once in a lifetime performance! March 29, 2008

The Best That Hugh Can Do! And Much More!

Peter Allen was all but forgotten until he was resurrected by Hugh Jackman in the musical "The Boy from Oz", a biographical musical rendition of the zany and fabulous life that Allen lead. Born in the Australian outback to a troubled drinker father who committed suicide, Allen sought escape with dreams of international stardom from a young age. When he met Judy Garland and married Liza Minnelli, Allen's career took off on Broadway and in many iconic 70's era songs, such as "I Honestly Love You" sang by fellow Aussie Olivia Newton-John. Allen epitomized the heady hedonistic 70's with his songs and lifestyle before dying of AIDS in the early 90's. The soundtrack of the Boy from Oz tells Allen's story in his own words - his songs - and paints a picture of a boy from the Australian bush who achieved fame and fortune only to go out with a bang in his signature style. From "All the Lives of Me" to "I Still Call Australia Home" to "I Go to Rio", Jackman brings back Allen to life through song and dance that pays authentic tribute to an almost forgotten musical legend. November 22, 2007

Excellent

This is not only one of the best performances I have ever heard on CD it is also touching and quite moving as the story of Peter Allen. Hugh Jackman is pure excellence. November 10, 2007

The Best Musical Ever

Don't listen to the people who gave it one star. The songs are beautiful and Hugh Jackman has an amazing voice!!! The songs are wonderful and the cast is too. October 13, 2007

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