The New Boy Next Door
Another lead role has been scored by a WAAPA graduate from Perth - this time for Platinum Entertainment's season of The Boy From Oz in the Crown Theatre.
Ethan Jones is taking on the role of Peter Allen, the role which made Todd McKenney famous and scored Hugh Jackman a Tony.
The triple threat and pianist scored the role - just months after suffering the disappointment of losing work, when the Sydney production he was cast in (9 to 5) was cancelled.
The casting comes just weeks after Jason Arrow, another WAAPA graduate and WA local scored the lead role in Hamilton.
Ethan Jones was cooling his heels in WA when the audition notice came through from Platinum Entertainment.
The Perth resident is looking forward to showing off his singing, dancing and acting skills to a new generation of Peter Allen admirers whilst admitting he has huge shoes to fill. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” says Ethan. “I’ve dreamed about playing Peter Allen for years and am absolutely thrilled - and a little daunted - to be following in the footsteps of such luminaries of the stage.”
Upon hearing the news, Todd McKenney, the original Boy from Oz, sent the following message: “Congratulations Ethan, on landing one of the best roles in Australian musical theatre: Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz. You not only get to tell Peter’s amazing personal story through brilliant songs and amazing dance routines but you also get to talk directly to the audience - which provides some of the most moving moments.
“It makes me very proud to be passing on my Maracas to such a talented young man!”
The Boy from Oz, the story based on the life of Australia’s own singer/songwriter Peter Allen, will feature musical theatre performers including Lucy Williamson as Judy Garland, Elethea Sartorelli as Liza Minnelli, Casey Edwards as Marion Woolnough and Peter Cumins as Greg Connell.
The production will be directed and choreographed by Drew Anthony.
The shows catalogue of songs includes I Go to Rio; I Honestly Love You; Quiet Please, There’s A Lady On Stage; Tenterfield Saddler; We Don’t Cry out Loud and the song which has become our second anthem – I Still Call Australia Home.
Platinum Entertainment, which recently received huge accolades for their production of We Will Rock You, will open at Crown Theatre Perth on 23 January. Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.au