Lighting up the stage as Peter Allen
The musical follows the life of Peter Allen from growing up in Australia
The Boy from Oz takes to the stage at the National Theatre from July 6 to 21, presented by Theatrical.
The musical follows the life of Peter Allen from growing up in Australia, to working with Judy Garland and marrying Liza Minnelli, to becoming a global superstar winning an Oscar, as well as coming out and his battle with HIV/AIDS.
It also showcases Allen’s incredible gift as a musical storyteller with hits like I Still Call Australia Home, I Go to Rio, I Honestly Love You and Tenterfield Saddler.
Starring as Allen is Matthew Hadgraft, who has been performing his own Peter Allen tribute show across Australia since 2015.
Playing a young Allen is Jewish child performer Reuben Koronczyk who previously attended Sholem Aleichem College and is currently studying at a performing arts school.
Speaking to The AJN about his role, Koronczyk said, “I’m very honoured to be a part of this awesome production and I can’t wait to be on stage with all of the amazing cast and crew.”
Last year Koronczyk was cast as Michael Banks in Mary Poppins, and he was recently in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert with Babirra Music Theatre.
Theatrical is a not-for-profit and registered charity created by former 3RRR radio personality and executive producer Andrew Gyopar (Spring Awakening, Dogfight, Rock of Ages, Seussical, If/THEN, Freaky Friday, American Idiot).
The independent musical theatre company seeks to combat social isolation by encouraging inclusion, social connections and creative expression through theatre, while promoting diversity, positive mental health and wellbeing.
“Following the huge success of our mostly sold-out production of The Sound of Music, we are really happy to be bringing The Boy From Oz to Melbourne in July. It’s been wonderful to see a real community emerge around Theatrical musicals, with so many audience members coming back again and again,” said Gyopar.
The production is the second of three musicals staged at the historic National Theatre as part of Theatrical’s 2024 season, with A Chorus Line set to grace the St Kilda stage from September 7.
The Boy from Oz is playing at the National Theatre Melbourne from July 6 to July 21. To book tickets visit theatrical.com.au
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