Theatre Review: The Boy From Oz
How did I miss this musical when Hugh Jackman played Peter Allen on Broadway? It is one of the best 'jukebox musicals' I've seen. Great songs from Peter Allen and a compelling story about a great talent who struggled to reach stardom and died of AIDS just as he grabbed the golden ring. I feel this musical's book is every bit as strong as that of "Jersey Boys". Theatre Three in Port Jefferson created a great production. I cannot imagine it was any better on Broadway except that this production lacks Hugh Jackman. Steve McCoy, a regular at Theatre Three, played Peter Allen. To his credit he is a great singer and an energetic, credible actor. But despite the makeup and wig it is obvious he is about 20 years too old for this part and a bit too overweight. Throughout the performance he kept adjusting the toupee he was wearing to make himself look younger - and it was quite annoying. The rest of the cast was perfectly chosen ...