Peter Allen Hugh Jackman Jarrod Emick - The Boy from Oz 2003 Original Broadway Cast (26 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

Love this recording!

CyberLouis | 12/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since getting my hands on this CD the day it was released, I have listened to it at least a hundred times and love it each and every time. Having been privileged to see the Broadway musical several times, I must say that Hugh Jackman is pure magic on that stage. He puts his heart and soul into his performance as Peter Allen, and it comes through on this recording. Particularly in "Once Before I Go", which is a real tear-jerker. I must heartily disagree with the assessment by the Aussie "reviewer" from Perth. I own the Aussie cast CD of "The Boy From Oz" and now that I have the Broadway recording, I doubt that I will ever listen to the Aussie one again. From the start I have disliked McKenney but listened to the CD to familiarize myself with Allen's music. On the Broadway recording, Hugh Jackman gives highly emotional renditions of "The Lives of Me", "Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage", "Love Don't Need A Reason", the afore-mentioned "Once Before I Go", "I Still Call Australia Home" --- and has such fun with numbers like "Love Crazy" and "I Go to Rio". Hugh is an incredible performer, on stage, in movies, and it certainly shows on this recording. Not only do I recommend this CD, but I strongly urge you to get to NYC in 2004 to see this show, starring the most dynamic star to hit Broadway in years."

Peter Allen (the Boy) is NEW Again

CyberLouis | ALEXANDRIA, VA USA | 07/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have seen the "The Boy From Oz" twice on Broadway and believe it is definitely the most fabulous Broadway show in years. Hugh Jackman's performance in the role of the late Peter Allen (songwriter, cabaret singer and recording artist) is clearly one of the most outstanding in Broadway history. Part of that performance is captured on this CD (ie, the vocal part). So, I bought the CD. While the CD brings back great memories of the show, I have learned to value the CD for its own merits. Firstly, the music of Peter Allen is incredible (the most amazing feat of this show is that the late Peter Allen's music is used to tell the story of his life). Each song on this CD is either moving, rhythmic, melodic and/or plain fun to listen to. Secondly, Hugh Jackman and the other cast members all give competent performances of the many classics contained on the CD. Thirdly, the arrangers outdid themselves refreshing and modifying some of the old arrangements (some are totally reinvented). As the song goes, everything old is new again."

Peter The Great

CyberLouis | 11/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Allen was perhaps the most under rated performers of our time. On stage he was electric, he could make a concert hall feel like a living room. His real gift however, was his songwriting ability. He was a brilliant song writer. At one time he said "My songs are my biography". This CD features Allen's life in words and music. Hugh Jackman is magnificent in his portrayal of the complicated Allen. He has caputered Peter's charm and energy and brought his own unique style to the role. As a long time Peter Allen fan, I feel so lucky that Mr. Jackman took this role. Now Peter's music will once more be in the spotlight... and because of Hugh Jackman, a new generation will learn about the entertainer Peter Allen.
I find the Amazon review on the cd rather negative. Mr. Allen was not in the closet until his death. On stage he might have been flamboyant and dynamic, but behind the scenes he was private. Peter's depth is obvious when one listens to the words and music he wrote. Music that stands the test of time.
For all of us Peter Allen fans that are still out there.. ENJOY"

Hugh Jackman Channels the Spirit of Peter Allen

Jose R. Perez | Yonkers, NY USA | 11/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a longtime fan of Peter Allen's music, and someone lucky to have experienced the legendary stage performer in person three times, I was ecstatic when "The Boy From Oz" came to Broadway. The show itself is a basic pain-by-numbers affair that never fully mines the pathos and brilliance of its subject, with shoddy sets and awkward designs that feel better suited to a high school production than a stage on the Great White Way. But all of the incidentals of this show are completely forgotten and take a much needed back seat to Allen's inspired music and the glorious star-making performance of Hugh Jackman in the title role. I haven't experienced anything quite like the feelings that came up for me as I watched this talented Aussie pin-up and actor literally transcend definition and BECOME Peter Allen - mind, body and spirit. Whereas supporting cast members are given fine opportunities to embody the likes of Liza Minelli (Allen's ex wife) and Judy Garland - and do so admirably despite the obvious challenges that come with playing a well known entertainer - it's Jackman who astonishes in a role that ideally suits his tenuous but forceful voice and his gentle, though complete grasp of character. Watching Jackman on stage was at times like watching the original Allen, who whipped his audiences (and myself) into a frenzy with boundless stage energy, costumes galore and a quick witted manner that was both adorable and dismissive at once. Funny, light, abrasive and ultimately sad, Jackman captures the human qualities of the late great singer-songwriter, whose "DOn't Cry Out Loud" and "I Honestly Love You" became staples for the brokenhearted. This cast recording seems blessed - if that's possible - by Allen's spirit. It's a fitting tribute to a vocalist whose singing ability was secondary to his phrasing and showmanship, and an eerie reminder that when you find huge new musical theater talent like Hugh Jackman, you RUN (do not pass GO, do not stop at the light) to get tickets. A stratling once-in-a-lifetime stage performance, reserved here for eternity. Let's all pray for an eventual DVD of the show! Jackman is TONY and GRAMMY bound!"

My Introduction to Peter Allen

Avid Reader | Willow Springs, MO United States | 09/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got this CD as part of membership package in a music club simply because I liked Hugh Jackman's rendition of "Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage." I'm glad I did! I've heard Jackman sing before when I caught his performance of "Oklahoma!" on PBS, and while he is not as good in this performance, it's still fantastic. I have to admit that I knew little of Peter Allen and the only song of his I remembered was "I Go To Rio." On the performances, Jackman is great as Peter Allen, but Isabel Keating as Judy Garland and Stephanie J. Block as Liza Minnelli are the real stars of this CD; and I wholeheartedly disagree with Amazon's reviewer that their imitations of Judy and Liza's vocal styles are distracting. If anything, it adds to passion of their songs. Keating on "All I Wanted Was The Dream" and "Only an Older Woman" is just wonderful. Block really shines on "She Loves to Hear the Music" and sounds so much like Liza it's uncanny. As to Jackman, he's great, but his rendition of some songs just doesn't sound right -- almost like they were out of his range. He really shines on three songs: "Quiet Please, There's A Lady on Stage," a loving tribute to Judy Garland, as well as "I Still Call Australia Home" and "I Go To Rio." This CD also includes a bonus track "Tenterfield Saddler," which really highlights Jackman's talent. I you like a good Broadway musical and Peter Allen songs, this is a must-have."

Search - Peter Allen, Hugh Jackman, Jarrod Emick :: The Boy from Oz (2003 Original Broadway Cast)

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