The musical is set to begin previews at the Imperial Theatre Sept. 16 for an Oct. 16 opening. Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office beginning Aug. 4.

Hugh Jackman will star in the lead role. Jarrod Emick co-stars as Allen's partner, Greg Connell; Beth Fowler will play his mother, Marion Woolnough; Michael Mulheren takes on his father, Dick Woolnough, and manager-promoter Dee Anthony; Isabel Keating will portray Allen's mentor and mother-in-law, Judy Garland; and Mitchel Federan plays the young Peter. More casting will be announced shortly.

The Boy from Oz is "a musical true story" of the late entertainer who was a protege of Judy Garland — and briefly married to her daughter Liza Minnelli. The Australian production ran two years and starred Todd McKenney as Allen. Nick Enright penned the musical's original book, though since fall 2001, Martin Sherman (Bent) has been the project's librettist.

Philip Wm. McKinley will direct the Broadway musical with choreography by Joey McKneely. Patrick Vaccariello will serve as musical supervisor. Orchestrations will be by Michael Gibson. A design team will be announced shortly.

Songwriters represented in the score of existing pop songs include Adrienne Anderson, Burt Bacharach, Jeff Barry, Michael Callen, Christopher Cross, Tom Keane, Marsha Malamet, Dean Pitchford and Carol Bayer Sager. Sources say the show ends with Allen's signature song, "I Go to Rio." For more information on The Boy From Oz at the Imperial, 249 West 45 Street, visit the show's website at www.theboyfromoz.com.