"Given the current box office attendance numbers and the impressively sized cancellation line found nightly at the Imperial, combined with the large fan base that Mr. Jackman has through his film career, we believe that this recording would be a record-setter for Broadway," reads a portion of an online petition to the producers of the show. (The entire document, still available for signatures through Sept. 12, can be found by clicking here.
The campaign leader Lizzy Evans notified signers of the petition that there would likely be no DVD or VHS release of a recording, citing her correspondence with one of the producers. The producer was said to be thankful for the support and enthusiasm for the show.
Production spokespersons gave no official response about producers considering a recording. A source close to the show, however, confirms the plans are unlikely.
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The Boy From Oz announced the show will close on Broadway Sept. 12 when contracts expire for its Tony Award-winning star Hugh Jackman and the original cast. Previews began Sept. 16, 2003, for the "musical true story" of the late entertainer Peter Allen who was a protege of Judy Garland — and briefly married to her daughter Liza Minnelli. Martin Sherman (Bent) provided the libretto for the score which features the music and lyrics of the pop superstar. The new musical opened Oct. 16.
Sydney-born Jackman began his stage career in his homeland, appearing in the Australian productions of Beauty and the Beast as Gaston and Sunset Boulevard as Joe Gillis before his Olivier Award-nominated turn in the London staging of Oklahoma! The actor is known to film audiences for his roles in the "X Men" films, "Kate & Leopold," "Swordfish" and the recent film "Van Helsing."
Philip Wm. McKinley directs the production featuring Jackman (as Peter Allen) and a cast that includes Stephanie J. Block, Beth Fowler, Isabel Keating, Jarrod Emick, Mitchel Federan and Michael Mulheren.
For tickets to The Boy From Oz at the Imperial, 249 West 45 Street, call (212) 239-6200 or click below. For more information, visit the show's website at www.theboyfromoz.com.
