Six Children’s Choirs Join Toowoomba’s Boy From Oz

As opening night of the Empire Theatre’s major 2023 musical The Boy from Oz approaches, cast and crew are hard at work putting the finishing touches to the show.

The Boy From Oz, presented by Mort & Co, will feature talented local vocalists, dancers and musicians, who are set to dazzle when the curtain is finally lifted for the six show season from Friday 17 March to Sunday 26 March. 

Giving an extra element to the story, Director Drew Anthony has chosen to incorporate six local children’s choirs into the show, who will take to the stage for the iconic Peter Allen song, “I Still Call Australia Home”.

“This song and its wonderful lyrics evoke a strong and emotional reaction. It means a lot to Australians and that it will be sung by children makes it all the more meaningful,” Mr Anthony said.

“There are some key costume and scene elements in play for this number also, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise for the audience!”

One the most successful homegrown musicals to date, The Boy from Oz tells the story of the great Australian entertainer Peter Allen, from his humble beginnings singing in country pubs at age 11, through to being discovered by Judy Garland and his meteoric rise to international stardom.

Taking on the role of Peter Allen is Empire stage favourite Justin Tamblyn, whose previous credits include tap-dancing chimney sweep Bert in Mary Poppins (2015), Fiyero in Wicked (2017) and most recently Commander Khashoggi in We Will Rock You (2022).

Justin is joined by a principal cast including Perth actress Lucy Williamson reprising her role as Judy Garland, and Toowoomba triple threat Shannon Gralow as Liza Minelli.

Including many of Peter Allen’s best loved hits such as “Quiet Please, There’s a Lady on Stage”, “Everything Old is New Again”, “Tenterfield Saddler”, “I Honestly Love You”, “I Still Call Australia Home”, “Don’t Cry Out Loud” and the show stopping “I Go to Rio”, The Boy from Oz takes audiences on a musical journey through the highs and lows of Peter Allen’s life. 

Taking part in the production for one performance each are Rangeville State School Choir, Darling Heights State School Choir, Fairholme College Junior Chorale, Toowoomba Anglican College Choir, Middle Ridge State School Choir and Toowoomba Choral Society Youth Choir. 

Ahead of the Friday and Saturday evening performances, audiences are encouraged enjoy the pre-show Carnivale on the Empire Theatre’s lawn from 6pm, with light refreshments and bar options available from attending food trucks.

For more information or to book tickets, please contact the Empire Theatre on 1300 655 299 or visit www.empiretheatre.com.au.

Images: The choral singers from the six local choirs who will perform on stage for one very special song, and leading man Justin Tamblyn, brings Peter Allen to life in the Empire Theatre’s production of The Boy from Oz.

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