Presented by: Metropolitan Musical Theatre Company
Reviewed: 17 October 2024
This musical tribute to the wonderful Peter Allen was the first Australian musical to make it to Broadway. Nick Enright took Allen’s music and lyrics and wove them into the story of Allen’s extraordinary life, based on Stephen Maclean’s 1996 biography. Starting from the humble beginnings in the outback town of Tenterfield to the ups and downs of fame and its aftermath.
The role of Peter Allen made famous in Hugh Jackman’s Tony Award-winning performance, is a big ask for any performer, but Lindsay Prodea is up to the task. With boundless energy, he sings and dances with the necessary showmanship and flamboyance while maintaining the character’s depth as in Quiet Please There Is a Lady on Stage.
There are many great performances in this production, a standout is Heidi-Rae Abbey as Peter’s Mum who was delightful and brought many of the audience to tears with her rendition of Don’t Cry Out Loud. The relationship between mother and son felt real. Abbey also gave the same reality to her scenes with the Young Peter Allen play by Nemanja Ilic, who debuted earlier this year as Young Elvis in Elvis: A Musical Revolution. This juvenile performer sparkled in Name In Lights! He lit up the stage.
Judy Garland played a big role in Peter’s life, an iconic performer, she was played by Bronwen James who had the required stage presence. Her version of All I Wanted Was The Dream established her character well. Dani Panfilo, who played Liza Minnelli, lacked some of the agitation shown by Liza but I’d Rather Leave While I’m in Love was well done.
Peter’s love interest, Greg, gets to sing one of the greatest numbers, I Honestly Love You and Daniel Scott gives it heart. Mark Gamtcheff plays the dual roles of Wally and Peter’s father (a small but important role). As the producer Brad Martin fits the model of a man with a problem client.
The Trio of Divas played by Chloe Dunstan, Jasmine Howis and Bess Simer-Brown had lovely singing voices but at times did not blend well. Described by Peter in his opening as colourful, they are wearing very pretty black dresses and did not change even for the flamboyant I Go To Rio number. Most of the costumes seemed fine but again traditionally the Rio number has Peter and others in ruffled sleeves, this meant the number lost some pizzazz.
The set consisted of a few key pieces like the piano and it worked fine. Director Selena Britz has pulled it all together nicely. All the key principles sang well and the chorus work was lovely. The opening was spoiled by some out of tune brass and this continued from time to time. This is a good production and if MD Jane Feast can get her band in tune it will be even better.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Photo credit: Daniel Salmond
Venue: Arts Theatre
Season: 17 – 26 October 2024
Duration: 3 hrs
Tickets: $32.00 – $40.00
Bookings: metmusicals,com.au or 0407 457 821
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