Free-Rain Theatre is gearing up to dazzle audiences with its upcoming production of The Boy from Oz at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre on 1-20 October.

This highly anticipated musical is not just a performance but a vibrant celebration of Peter Allen’s extraordinary life and career. From his early beginnings in Tenterfield to his meteoric rise to international fame, the show promises to capture the essence of one of the most flamboyant and influential entertainers of the 20th century.

Jared Newall, a seasoned performer with a background in both classical music and musical theatre, stars as Peter Allen. Known for his work with The Ten Tenors, Newall, who is currently undertaking his Master’s in speech pathology, wasn’t planning on performing this year but couldn’t resist the chance to play this iconic Australian.

“Playing Peter Allen is both an honour and a challenge; it’s about capturing his larger-than-life persona while remaining true to his personal struggles and triumphs,” he says.

Newall’s portrayal is not just about mimicking Allen’s famous performances but delving into the complexities of his character.

“It’s easy to focus solely on the glamour and spectacle of Peter Allen’s career,” Newall says. “But we’re also exploring his vulnerabilities and the personal battles he faced. The goal is to present a well-rounded picture of who Peter Allen was, both on and off the stage.”

The Boy from Oz was written by the late Nick Enright, who sought to craft a musical that not only celebrated Peter Allen’s career but also offered an intimate look at his life. The show seamlessly transitions between different phases of Allen’s journey, highlighting key moments from his rise to fame and the challenges he faced along the way.

The musical’s narrative begins with Peter Allen reflecting on his life from a pub in Armidale, which serves as a central motif throughout the production. This setting ties together various scenes from his life, providing a cohesive framework for the show. The portrayal of Allen’s early days in Armidale, his relationships with Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli, and his triumphs on the international stage are interwoven with vibrant musical numbers and dramatic moments.

“It is all told through the eyes of Peter, it is coloured through that lens of the way Peter remembers it. Peter is on stage the whole time which is its own incredibly unique challenge… It will be, I expect the most challenging role that I ever play but is such a wonderful role and so worth the effort.”

The show’s musical score is a highlight, featuring some of Allen’s most beloved songs. Numbers like I Still Call Australia Home, I Honestly Love You, and I Go to Rio are performed with a mix of nostalgia and contemporary flair.

“I love singing I Go to Rio and Not the Boy Next Door because they are so exciting but for me, it is the songs that I grew up with like I Still Call Australia Home and Tenterfield Saddler that resonate with me and they come at really key points in the show.”

The extraordinary life of Peter Allen

Peter Allen’s story is one of remarkable talent and resilience. Born in 1944 in Tenterfield, NSW, Allen grew up in a small town with big dreams. His early performances, including impersonations of Al Jolson at local events, demonstrated a precocious talent that would later become his trademark.

Allen’s career took him to Asia and then London, where he met Judy Garland. This pivotal encounter led to his marriage to Garland’s daughter, Liza Minnelli, and opened doors to opportunities in the entertainment industry. Allen’s time in the United States saw him achieve significant success, including performances at Radio City Music Hall and a string of hit songs.

Despite his success, Allen’s life was marked by personal struggles. His marriage to Minnelli ended in divorce as he faced challenges related to his sexuality and public image.

“I believe he truly loved Liza Minelli, I do believe they had a real love and a real marriage… His public persona later on in life was that he was bisexual, but he always kept a big mystery around himself and never talked much to the press. Most of what people understand about him is from third-party accounts,” says Newall.

The impact of AIDS led to the loss of his partner before Allen himself succumbed to the disease. His struggles and losses are an integral part of the narrative explored in The Boy from Oz, offering a balanced view of Allen’s personal and professional experiences.

The approach to portraying Peter Allen’s legacy in the show involves a careful balance between celebrating his achievements and addressing the challenges he faced. The production acknowledges the impact of AIDS and the deaths it caused, but it also focuses on the positive aspects of his life and career.

“Our goal is to honour Peter Allen’s memory while providing a nuanced portrayal of his life,” Newall explains. “We want to show the joy he brought to audiences and the resilience he demonstrated in the face of personal difficulties. It’s about finding that balance and ensuring that the production remains both respectful and celebratory.”

Newall’s experience with The Ten Tenors has provided him with a unique perspective on performance. A highlight of his career, he says that the extensive tours have given him the chance to experience different cultures and audiences, which has been invaluable in shaping him as a performer.

“Performing with The Ten Tenors was a fantastic experience,” he says. “I had the opportunity to travel and perform in over 30 countries, which broadened my understanding of music and performance.”

Transitioning from a singing role to a musical theatre role has presented its own set of challenges. Appearing in a production of Jersey Boys during a Ten Tenors break, he felt nervous taking the stage in a different realm. This time he feels more prepared but also understands what enormous shoes he is filling.

“Performing with The Ten Tenors is very much about the presentation of songs,” Newall explains. “Musical theatre, on the other hand, requires a different approach, with a focus on character development and storytelling. It’s been a rewarding challenge to delve into the acting side of things and bring Peter Allen’s character to life.”

As the production of The Boy from Oz approaches, the anticipation in the public and the production team is growing. The next couple of weeks will be the finishing touches on the performance, something they hope audiences will love as much as they have putting it together.

“After the challenges of the past few years, a show like this is exactly what people need,” says Newall “It’s a celebration of Peter Allen’s life, full of colour, light, and movement. We hope that audiences will leave the theatre feeling uplifted and inspired.”

The production also offers a chance to reflect on Peter Allen’s legacy and the impact he had on the world of entertainment.

“We want people to enjoy the spectacle and learn something new about Peter Allen. It’s about celebrating his life in all its vibrancy and complexity.”

Free-Rain Theatre’s production of The Boy from Oz is set to be a spectacular and heartfelt tribute to one of Australia’s greatest entertainers. With its dynamic performances, vibrant set, and thoughtful portrayal of Peter Allen’s life, this production promises to be a must-see for theatre enthusiasts and fans of Australian music alike. The show’s rich narrative and energetic presentation make it an unforgettable experience that pays homage to a true icon of the entertainment world.

Celebrate the life and songs of Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre on 1-20 October; freeraintheatre.com