The Boy From Oz musical is coming to Melbourne, with a Hoppers Crossing local one of the stars of the production.
The musical is a true story about Peter Allen, one of Australia’s most beloved entertainers.
The musical follows his career and life with Judy Garland and Liza Minelli through bars, clubs, and concerts all across the world.
Maureen Andrew from Hoppers Crossing, is a musical theatre legend who was in the original The Boy from Oz with Hugh Jackman, and now plays Peter Allen’s mother.
With over 50 years of industry experience as an actor, singer, dancer, producer, and director, Ms Andrew has been impressed by the standards the cast is carrying into this production.
“Rehearsals are awesome, considering that so many of the cast are professionals in so many other fields, teachers, nurses, scientists, students, it is simply phenomenal how much can be achieved within a limited time frame compared with the rehearsal times available for fully funded shows,” she said.
“I was lucky enough to tour with Hugh Jackman’s Boy From Oz in the role of Josie Mann, who owned the New England Pub where young Peter started his career.
“I was also ‘cover’ for Marion Woolnough, Peter’s Mum, and Colleen Hewitt was our Marion. Colleen never missed a performance so this run with Theatrical Inc. gives me the opportunity to play such a pivotal role in the show.
“It’s very emotional but very rewarding.”
Another local from Melbourne’s west in the production is West Footscray’s Tara Lichtenstein.
Originally from America, she has travelled to Australia for opportunities such as this one, and she is bringing her rich musical theatre background into the production.
The show will play from July 6 to July 21 at the National Theatre Melbourne in St Kilda.
Tickets: shorturl.at/9AJai
Gerald Lynch
