The Boy From Oz

[Murph223]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 5:22pm

Saw "The Boy from Oz" yesterday. Some Broadway shows are phenomenal without any megastars while some shows are mediocre to very good with them. "Oz" ranks in the latter. The first 25 minutes of Act One is OUTTA SIGHT.The rest of Act One, despite Jackman being superb, goes south but good.Very mediocre tunes. Too monotonous..tedious until ACT TWO. One of the best Act Twos I've ever seen at any show. Jackman is "superber" than superb. The man's a dynamo, the music is great and..and..the entire Act Two simply BLOWS YOUR MIND. The show is well worth your time and money.The NY Post sells it short by giving it 2.5 stars. Updated On: 5/10/04 at 05:22 PM

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 5:48pm

I was there yesterday, too. It was one of those shows I've avoided because I never had much awareness or interest in Peter Allen or his music.

It was worth going, if only to see Hugh Jackman's performance. I can't say I loved the show, but I was certainly impressed by Jackman. I've never seen anyone expend that much energy onstage. He's entertaining, quite appealing and has a great stage presence. And I say that as someone who was inclined to actively dislike the guy in the past for no particular reason.

The crowd was also part of the spectacle yesterday, too, at least where I was sitting. (Rear mezzanine.) It appears that Hugh has a mighty big following among middle-aged women, more than a few of whom checked any sense of dignity they might otherwise possess at the door. The crowd went wild every blessed time Hugh changed shirts on stage...lets not even *talk* about when he changed his trousers.. Good lord. There were two women a few rows in front of me who gave him a standing O after EVERY song. I mean, c'mon, ladies. I was torn between being amused and being embarassed because I fall within that demographic.

At any rate, just give the guy his Tony now. IMO, he's earned it.

And welcome, Murph. Where were you sitting?

[mominator]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 5:55pm

Oh heavens iflit you just made Erins night. She wnts to know does he wear boxers or briefs? I promise Iwill behave!
B

[Plum]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 5:57pm

If I remember right, it's boxers.

-Plum, who's looking forward to seeing him in a loincloth in that silly vampire movie

[mominator]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 5:58pm

Plum he looks YUMMY!

[Ruffian]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 6:00pm

OK the night I went the White Tux wouldnt go on & Hugh threatened to perform the song nude, but alas it was not meant to be

[ladieswholunch]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 6:04pm

I plan on seeing it just because of Hugh.

[Ruffian]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 6:07pm

I only saw it because of Hugh, I am not at all a Peter Allen fan.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 6:42pm

It is ironic that 5 songs ( 1 that was ultimately cut ) from Legs Diamond are in Oz . THey had a second life after all.

[jo]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 7:17pm

Not a bad day in the office for Hugh

First, the news of VAN HELSING being a big summer hit - and now, a nomination for the TONY!

Do you think he will sweep all the awards for Best Actor in a Musical, including Distinguished Performer award from Drama League?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 7:37pm

Yep. Hugh should carry a broom around with him.

[alterego]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 1:55am

I've not seen The Boy from Oz on Broadway. I keep reading about Hugh changing shirts, and now trousers on stage. Would someone explain to me, is he playing Peter Allen as he does this? Does he break out of character? There was none of this in the Australian production.

P.S. He must wear boxers for the stage, briefs are the more popular choice of underwear for Australian males.

[Plum]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 2:07am

Jackman never breaks character, but he does do most of his costume changes onstage. It may not be a Peter Allen thing to do, but the audience loves it- he talks to them (as Allen) the whole time.

Posted: 5/11/04 at 8:06am

From the clips, I've seen ~ he's pretty amazing. That energy and committment, wow. Seems like a nice guy, too.

[jo]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 8:13am

While it is true those scenes are handled by Hugh while he is in character, I don't think they would work if it were someone else who is not a "hunky" actor. I think the audience titillation and the resulting laughter are elicited by indirect references to Hugh's sex appeal ...Who wouldn't be interested to see Hugh's chest on stage - LOL!



Updated On: 5/11/04 at 08:13 AM

[kec]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 8:42am

You may be right, Jo... he may be addressing the people as Peter, but I think those he's talking to are seeing him as Hugh, forgetting that he's supposed to be someone else up there.

[PigletH13]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 9:23am

I have to say that no matter who he is playing or talking with...I like those scenes...A LOT! It also doesn;t hurt that the man has the softest skin I have ever had the pleasure of feeling, right Jo?

[Phantom2]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 11:29am

Piglet- Dare I ask where you touched him?

[jo]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 7:32pm

Sooo right, Piglet

Hugh's quite generous with the kisses, folks - if you join him in the BICOASTAL number - EEK!


Jo

[DofB5]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 8:10pm

Hummm. Is that the reason why the seats that were purchased where purchased? The view??

D

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 8:49pm

I saw the Boy From Oz in December and without Hugh Jackman and Beth Fowler, it would've just been mediocre. I'm happy they both got nominated for a Tony.

[Broadwaylady]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 9:32pm

And what's wrong with middle aged women drooling over Hugh? I could think of worse things. It must have got around that he interacted with the audience. I was in the first row the first time I saw Boy from Oz. He interacted with me. He asked me if I wanted more. I said "Yes". The man is gorgeous. When I tried for tixs with other friends for future months, this was December, the first 10 rows of orchestra were sold out through the end of his run. I got 11th row orchestra for Memorial Day weekend. So there is something to say for Hugh's charisma. Remember, Ilifloat, you will be that age some day also. Beth Fowler and Isabel Keating are also very good. I saw Van Helsing just because Hugh was in it. Like Oz, it is not the best.

[Jamie Hat]

Posted: 5/12/04 at 12:06am

I think the show would be better if they cut a few songs and made it a one man show.

[PigletH13]

Posted: 5/12/04 at 9:27am

Phantom2....just on the cheek...I would never do anything else.