Peter Allen News

The Celebration Theatre's production of THE BOY FROM OZ has just opened to glowing reviews; raves and compliments Celebration's co-artistic director Michael A. Shepperd has gotten used to. (Look at their looong list of award-winning productions!) We had a chance to chat with both the prolifically talented (directing and acting) Shepperd and the charismatic, triple-threat Andrew Bongiorno who plays the titular BOY Peter Allen.

Once in a great while an extraordinary performer comes along, one that not only moves us, but also affects meteoric changes within our culture. Peter Allen, born Peter Woolnough in 1944 in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia and who died young in 1992, was one such mega-talented singer/dancer/musical composer, who appealed to a wide audience.Not at first, mind you; it took a few years in the 60s for him to realize his bisexuality and to understand who he was.

Celebration Theatre at the Lex in association with Nicholas Caprio, Michael C. Kricfalusi, Todd Milliner and Jack Morrissey presents, under the artistic direction of Michael Matthews & Michael A. Shepperd, the West Coast premiere of THE BOY FROM OZ, music and lyrics by Peter Allen, book by Martin Sherman, original book by Nick Enright, choreography by Janet Roston, musical direction by Bryan Blaskie, produced by Andrew Carlberg and directed by Celebration Theatre co-artistic director Michael A. Shepperd.  THE BOY FROM OZ will begin previews on Friday, April 22 at 8pm; will open on Friday, April 29 at 8pm and perform through Sunday, June 19 at the Celebration Theatre's new home, Celebration at the Lex Theatre, 6760 Lexington Ave. in Los Angeles.

The Jeff Awards Committee today announced 121 nominations in 24 categories for the 43rd Annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards for productions that opened between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016. The Non-Equity Awards honor excellence in Chicago theatres not under a union contract. Jeff judges attended opening nights of 148 productions offered by 67 Non-Equity producing organizations. The Jeff Committee recommended 65 of those shows (or 44%), making them eligible for Non-Equity Jeff Award nominations. Of the 65 Jeff Recommended productions, a record 53 (or 82%) received nominations, representing 32 theatre companies.

On April 18, 2016 the John W. Engeman Theater will present Simon & Garfunkel: Live in Central Park [Revisited].

Celebrate the Bay Area Reporter's 45th Anniversary and the 2016 Sixth Annual Besties party at Oasis on Today, April 7, 6 to 9 p.m. (398 11th Street at Folsom), with guest-host Shawn Ryan.

Celebration Theatre at the Lex in association with Nicholas Caprio, Michael C. Kricfalusi, Todd Milliner and Jack Morrissey presents, under the artistic direction of Michael Matthews & Michael A. Shepperd, the West Coast premiere of THE BOY FROM OZ, music and lyrics by Peter Allen, book by Martin Sherman, original book by Nick Enright, choreography by Janet Roston, musical direction by Bryan Blaskie, produced by Andrew Carlberg and directed by Celebration Theatre co-artistic director Michael A. Shepperd. THE BOY FROM OZ will begin previews on Friday, April 22 at 8pm; will open on Friday, April 29 at 8pm and perform through Sunday, June 19 at the Celebration Theatre's new home, Celebration at the Lex Theatre, 6760 Lexington Ave. in Los Angeles.

TheatreZone founder and artistic director Mark Danni wants you to celebrate the holiday season at "Home for the Holidays," a newly added original live production that joins the non-profit Equity professional theatre group's 12th season roster of Broadway musicals and plays.

Celebrate the Bay Area Reporter's 45th Anniversary and the 2016 Sixth Annual Besties party at Oasis on Thursday, April 7, 6 to 9 p.m. (398 11th Street at Folsom), with guest-host Shawn Ryan.

We knew he played a 'superhero' on the big screen, but now Tony-winning actor Hugh Jackman proves he has what it takes to earn the title in real life.

MAD COW THEATRE announces the return of a singular downtown Orlando event - the 14th annual Orlando Cabaret Festival, featuring cabaret artists from Central Florida and beyond. Among the headliners for the 2016 Cabfest will be Broadway star Andrea McArdle, a leading lady ever since she played the very first Annie in the beloved Broadway show of the same name.

The art of cabaret lost its Queen almost a year ago when the Julie Wilson died on April 5 at age 90. There will likely be a number of tributes to Ms. Wilson throughout this year and a big one is happening on March 17 at 7 pm at the Metropolitan Room, where Joseph Macchia's Cabaret Cares/Help Is On the Way charity will pay tribute to the cabaret legend with a star-studded variety show that will also raise money for the organization that supports children living with HIV/AIDS. 

Great AZ Puppet Theater just announced its upcoming shows in February and March 2016, featuring a special guest artist and more. Scroll down for details!

THE BOY FROM OZ  plays at the TheatreZone thru February 14.  Book by Nick Enright, Music and Lyrics by Peter Allen, US Edition Book by Martin Sherman.  Check out a behind the scenes look below!

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Jesse Luttrell with the Fred Barton Broadway Band tonight, January 29 at 9:30PM.

A Jewish-American reporter in Japan uncovers a conspiracy to cover up the government-sanctioned sale of HIV-contaminated blood products in a new political thriller with music inspired by true events.

54 Below just released a new block of tickets with 35% off MAIN DINING ROOM seats using the code LUTTRELL35.

The Boy from Oz is 'a musical true story' of the late entertainer Peter Allen who was a protege of Judy Garland, and briefly married to her daughter Liza Minnelli.

Next week Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond, including Ben Vereen, Elizabeth A. Davis and more!

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Jesse Luttrell with the Fred Barton Broadway Band on January 29 at 9:30PM. Jesse Luttrell unleashes his shattering voice and theatrical, post-modern vaudevillian style on an evening of treasured swing, big band, and show songs. Jesse's repertoire runs the gamut from Jule Styne, Cy Coleman and Rodgers & Hart, to Anthony Newley, Jerry Herman specialties, and Peter Allen showstoppers. Fred Barton has created high-octane new arrangements and will lead his 8-piece Broadway Band. 54 Below favorite Seth Sikes will make a special appearance with Jesse, as they strut the stage in rare Jule Styne barn-burner that never fails to bring down the house. Jesse Luttrell and the Fred Barton Broadway Band play Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street) on January 29 at 9:30PM. There is a $25-$35 cover charge, with premium seating at $65, and a $25 food and beverage minimum. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com. Tickets on the day of performance after 4:00 are only available by calling (646) 476-3551.