Watch THE BOY FROM OZ Original Company in ‘I Go To Rio’ Virtual Reunion

The Boy From Oz Original Company reunion fundraiser for the Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW.

The Original production of Gale Edward’s musical The Boy From Oz made its World Premiere in 1998. This year is the 20th anniversary of the closing of Ben Gannon’s and Robert Fox’s record-breaking homegrown production based on the life Peter Allen who died 28 years ago.

The purpose of this virtual reunion of the Original Company of the production, dancing to ‘I Go To Rio’, is a Celebration of The Australian Arts Community, an empowering trip down memory lane with the Original Cast, Crew and Creatives. A reminder that life in the Arts is a long, wonderful, sometimes heartbreaking journey.

In the words of Nick Enright, who wrote the show’s book:

. . . you will have a wonderful life. There’ll be good bits and bad bits, but you will make the most of every moment. You will tell your life like a story and it’ll be a real adventure . . .

The adventure the industry is currently in is navigating a nearly complete industry shutdown, a chapter akin to a ‘bad bit’.

This video features appearances by over 103 members of the Original Cast, Crew, and Creative team.

Fundamentally, The Boy from Oz was conceived as a valentine to Peter Allen – one of the greatest entertainers that Australia has produced. His death in 1992 at the age of 48 prompted an outpouring of grief throughout the world, such was his irrepressible wit and electrifying presence as a singer, dancer and songwriter.

The catchy, flamboyant song ‘I Go To Rio’ encapsulated Allen’s sheer exuberance and sense of fun yet his illustrious songbook is full of biographical gems, notably Tenterfield Saddler, I Honestly Love You, Quiet Please There’s a Lady on Stage and Don’t Cry Out Loud. Plus, the Australian anthem I Still Call Australia Home.

From the moment The Boy From Oz arrived on stage with the sensational Todd McKenney in his career-defining role as Peter Allen, it struck an immediate chord with Australian audiences, for here was a wish-fulfilment story of underlying tragedy and struggle, but one that brought the entertainer’s survival instincts, indomitable spirit and charisma to the fore.

The musical was a huge hit. Audiences adored the stage celebration just as Allen had loved those closest to him and his devoted fans.

Globally the industry is navigating unprecedented times. Just like Peter Allen, The Boy From Oz always had a great sense of generosity, empathy, humanity and humour. And much hard work. So pull together, celebrate the industry, encourage support for the arts, and donate to the Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW.

New York-based, Australian Performer and Editor, Ben McHugh, and Sydney based Music Producer, Sean Peter, are acknowledged for their huge contribution in creating this virtual video.

Enjoy the video below and consider making a donation to this worthy cause at www.actorsbenevolentfund.org.au

‘Cause love don’t need a reason
Love don’t always rhyme
And love is all we have for now
What we don’t have is time

I’ll hold you close
Time can’ tear us apart
Forever, I will stand by you
We’ve got to start with the beat of one heart Together, we will see this through

‘Cause love don’t need a reason Love’s never a crime
And love is all we have for now What we don’t have
What we don’t have is time” Peter Allen

Donate via ABF website: – www.actorsbenevolentfund.org.au
Donate via ABF direct contacts: – 02 9333 0915 / info@actorsbenevolentfund.org.au /

ABF Instagram:- @abfnsw
ABF Facebook:- Actors Benevolent Fund

Peter J Snee

Peter is a British born creative, working in the live entertainment industry. He holds an honours degree in Performing Arts and has over 12 years combined work experience in producing, directing and managing artistic programs & events. Peter has traversed the UK, Europe and Australia pursuing his interest in theatre. He is inspired by great stories and passionately driven by pursuing opportunities to tell them.

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View Comments

Malcolm Savage says:

18 June, 2020 at 9:39 pm

A wonderful production, I worked with Peter on his last three tours of Australia, an incredible performer and a wonderful person, this was a wonderful celebration of his life, thankyou you Todd and everyone involved in this