Boy from Oz Still Calls Australia Home

The world amateur premiere of home-grown musical ‘The Boy from Oz’ has successfully brought Broadway to the suburbs.

The Sutherland Entertainment Centre was awash with glitter and sequins last week as the Miranda Musical Society performed six sell-out performances of the much-loved bio-musical about the singing, dancing and camel-riding showman Peter Allen.

Penny Dunn, publicist for the non-profit community organisation, played a leading role in the production as a perky Liza Minnelli.

“We are extremely proud of the production. It definitely exceeded our expectations,” Miss Dunn said.

“Doing the world amateur premiere of this show was a little bit daunting because we really wanted to do the show and the people it portrays justice. I believe we did this and more.”

Miss Dunn said the highlight of the production for her was standing in the wings and hearing the massive audience every night applaud as soon as the lead, Gavin Leahy, came out and said: “Good evening Sydney”.

This was Leahy’s debut production with Miranda Musical Society but the 27-year-old hairdresser and group fitness instructor was not fazed about following in the footsteps of former ‘The Boy from Oz’ leads Hugh Jackman and Todd McKenney and stepping into the famous shoes – and sequins – of the man whose personality was almost as cheery as his trademark Hawaiian shirts.

“I was honoured to be a part of this theatrical event,” Leahy said.

“Peter Allen and his tragic but inspiring story is testament to what can be achieved when you are prepared to have a go.”

The Miranda Musical Society’s next production will be Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’ June 13-22 at the Sutherland Memorial Arts Theatre. For bookings call (02) 8814 5827.