The thing I missed most amidst the COVID-19 restrictions and closures was definitely musical theatre. So naturally, I was stoked when I was given the opportunity to attend the opening night of Australian hit musical, The Boy From Oz. The musical follows the journey of Peter Allen as he rose through the ranks to become one of the biggest musical icons in Australian history.

The show adheres to the typical jukebox musical framework: it chronicles Allen’s relationships and eventual death from AIDS while being interwoven with dancing and songs that Aussies have loved across the years. The musical’s storyline is predictable and far from extraordinary but the same cannot be said for the production’s leading man, Ethan Jones.

Jones, a WAAPA graduate and consummate pianist, effortlessly accomplished the role’s mammoth singing and dancing load while playing the piano live on stage—a feat that neither of his predecessors, Hugh Jackman and Todd McKenney, could achieve. His musical virtuosity, powerful singing voice and infectious energy were on full display during musical numbers such as ‘The Lives of Me’, ‘Bi-Coastal’, and of course, ‘I Go to Rio’.

While Jones delivered a stellar performance, he was also supported by a strong cast. The trio of “Angels” aced by Carrie Pereria, Melissa Erpsen and Sophie Foster delivered excellent performances throughout. Lucy Williamson and Elethea Sartorelli were delightful as ex-mother-in-law Judy Garland and ex-wife Liza Minelli while Lucky Farrell and Casey Edwards work well together as the son-and-mother duo of Young Peter and Marion Woolnough.

Most memorably, the second act featured a poignant performance of ‘I Honestly Love You’ between Jones and Peter Cumins, who played Allen’s long-time lover Greg Connell, that left audience members teary-eyed.

The Boy From Oz is an ode to Perth theatre and the multitude of talent our state has to offer. Be sure to grab your tickets because this is the closest any Perth resident will get to Rio any time soon!