Theater Review - "The Boy from Oz"

Theater Review - “The Boy from Oz” - Produced by: Theatre Three – Port Jefferson - Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur

Like many show business terms that almost surely began as wisecracks, ‘Jukebox Musical’ might have been a fairly apt description at one time, but it no longer works. In the first place, people who’ve been born since the phrase was coined (forty years ago) now walk around with their own three-by-five-inch ‘Jukeboxes’ in their pockets. They’re known as cell phones. And just as Polaroid cameras have become passé largely because of the omnipresent devices, so too has the once-iconic jukebox pretty much fallen by the musical wayside.

In theater parlance, the term ‘Jukebox Musical’ was applied to a play that features previously released songs with a common connection to a particular musician or group. Currently, “Jersey Boys” is a high-riding show in the genre—forty years ago “Elvis” was the most prominent Jukebox Musical of its day—and in between, perhaps the best such example arrived with the new Millennium: It was “The Boy from Oz,” based on the life of Australian singer/songwriter Peter Allen, and the show has been masterfully re-incarnated at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson.

This play always was a tour de force, but it’s far from a one-man show. Created in Australia, “The Boy from Oz” had its American debut on Broadway in October of 2003 and closed the following September when Hugh Jackman’s contract ran out. So overpowering was he as Aussie Peter Allen that some critics dismissed the musical as merely an obvious star-vehicle for the immensely gifted singing/acting/dancing Jackman—also Australian. Had Long Island’s master performer, Steve McCoy, been featured in “The Boy from Oz” at the Imperial Theater, the play might still be running there. That’s how superb McCoy is in the title role with his big voice and all-around command of the Theatre Three stage!

Actually, there are two ‘Boys from Oz’ appearing on Main Street in Port Jeff through November 1. The Young Peter Allen (variously a 12, 13, and 14-year-old) is played by hugely talented Andrew Timmins of East Islip. The remarkable pre-teen acts, sings, and dances up a storm throughout this poignant play as he is featured in key flashback segments detailing Allen’s formative years. Incredibly, the Theatre Three venue is host to Andrew’s professional stage debut, and unless we miss our guess, the youngster’s unveiling will prove an award-winning one.

Not to be outdone in their roles as Judy Garland and Allen’s short-time wife Liza Minnelli, are Lori Beth Belkin and Sari Feldman respectively. Under Director Jeffrey Sanzel, the actresses have cultivated both women’s physical characteristics and vocal styles to a T. Cast as personalities that might have easily become caricatures, Belkin and Feldman know exactly when to stop prodding the audience (who loved them) in search of that extra giggle.

Essentially, this is a tragic-comedy about the scourge which is AIDS, and it tells quite effectively of those in Peter Allen’s life whom the disease affects in some way. As Allen’s initially reluctant lover, Greg, the convincing Brett Chizever could hardly have been more empathetic. His stoic acceptance of the hand that fate has dealt him is truly memorable theater.

Ditto Allen’s all-suffering Mother, played by Mary Ellin Kurtz. From her stage-struck son’s first indications that he is greatly talented … to the disclosure involving his gay lifestyle … and finally the revelation of his incipient demise … she is behind him foursquare. That expression of support reduces attendees to tears when Kurtz mesmerizes us with the show’s signature ballad, “Don’t Cry Out Loud.” Lovely!

So, if we must categorize “The Boy from Oz” as a ‘Jukebox Musical,’ let it be said, at least, that the show is as worthy a standard in the genre as we are likely ever to see. Accordingly, those who absorb the play’s many charms (and heartaches) at Theatre Three during the next five weeks will have done themselves a never-to-be-forgotten favor.

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Award-winning Smithtown writer Jeb Ladouceur is the author of eight novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. In Ladouceur’s next thriller, “Harvest” due next month, an American doctor is ordered to perform illegal surgeries for a gang of vital organ traffickers in The Balkans.

 

Comments

[Cindi Sansone-Braff]

Great theatre review. I love Theatre Three ,and anyone who hasn't gone there, should check it out. They have Broadway quality plays, with great actors and directors, at a fraction of the cost.

[Jeb Ladouceur]

Ms. Sansone-Braff is right about Theatre Three's quality ... and incredibly, the top ticket price for "The Boy From Oz" is $30. dollars! ... a fact I probably should have mentioned in the review.
- Jeb Ladouceur