The Boy From Oz

Australia’s most successful musical makes its return to Sydney thanks to the city’s most enduring community-based musical theatre group – The Regals Musical Society presents The Boy From Oz.

This musical is a tribute to the extraordinary life of the late Peter Allen, the boy from the outback with a talent for music and performance who went on to become a star on the world stage. Allen’s life and career, with all the great highs and lows he encountered along the way, is ripe for the stage musical treatment.

Performer Timothy Langan will be stepping into the metaphorical dancing shoes of Peter Allen himself for this production. Timothy has an honours degree in Musical Theatre and much like Allen he discovered his passion at a young age, even performing a jazz routine to Allen’s ‘Go To Rio’ at the age of seven.

Speaking ahead of the opening night, Timothy was excited about the role but also aware of the responsibility he has to do justice to Allen’s legacy.

“Learning this role has been an enormous challenge, as Peter was an exceptional singer and songwriter, a brilliant dancer and a comedian with a dry sense of humour…” said Timothy. “Honouring all these elements is the true challenge of playing this role, and I’ve spent time working closely on each facet of Peter’s showmanship.”

The Boy From Oz has starred a few performers in the role of Peter Allen, but none more iconic than Hugh Jackman’s Broadway take.

“I think the beautiful thing about this role is that any performer who steps into [it] is simply honouring the memory of Peter Allen…” mused Timothy. “I don’t feel any pressure when compared to Hugh because each performer will bring something unique to the role, and no one will ever be Peter Allen, except of course, Peter Allen himself.” (AM)

May 6–14, various show times. Rockdale Town Hall, 448 Princess Hwy (cnr Bryant Street), Rockdale. $29-$39. Tickets & info: theregals.com.au