Canberra Philharmonic Society
Erindale Centre, 13th August - 4th September
Reviewed by Bill Stephens
Among many good reasons to see "The Boy From Oz" is Jarrad West's remarkable performance as Peter Allen. This proudly-Australian musical, crammed with Peter Allen songs, charts the life and loves of the charasmatic entertainer, and sinks or swims on the ability of the lead performer to capture some of Allen's legendary charisma. Jarrad West has charisma in spades, and his knowing, sardonic, direct-to-the-audience delivery goes a long way towards capturing Allens unique performance style. It's a tour-de-force performance which succeeded brilliantly on opening night despite the threat of potential disaster from some unsynchronised lighting and music cues.
Impressive also was the touching portrayal of Liza Minnelli by newcomer Anne Maree McLeod, the sassy sophisticaion of Janie Lawson as Judy Garland, Bronwyn Sullivan's gutsy Marion Woolnough, and the delightfully assured performace of Cameron Taylor as the young Peter Allen.
Choreographer, Michelle Heine, pays homage to some of the great choreographers of the era, including Ross Coleman and Bob Fosse, with some brilliantly executed song and dance routines performed on a versatile, classy setting designed by Brian Sudding, and accompanied by Craig Johnson's small but punchy band.
But perhaps most impressive of all, is how successfully Director Carissa Campbell has managed to achieve an essentially large-scale show in the comparative intimacy of te Erindale Centre with an ensemble production that is funny, moving, spectacular and packed full of good old-fashioned pizzaz. Don't miss it!
(An edited version of this review appears in "City News" issue 19th-25th August)