From June to July 2022, “THE BOY FROM OZ” starring Masayuki Sakamoto will be performed by Supported by JACCS. This work was scheduled for May 2020, but the performance has been canceled due to the announcement of a state of emergency due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, and it will be revived over two years.
“THE BOY FROM OZ” is the turbulent life of Peter Allen, a rare entertainer who produced blockbuster songs such as Christopher Cross’s “New York City Serenade” and Olivia Newton-John’s “Confession of Love”. A musical that presents with a masterpiece. In Japan, it will be the first performance in regarding 14 years.
Directed by Philip McKneely and choreographed by Joey McKneely. In addition, Sakamoto, who starred, played Peter Allen in the 2005 premiere, the 2006 replay, and the 2008 replay. In addition, Ran Otori, who will play the role of Judy Garland, Jun Shibuki, who will play the role of Liza Minnelli, and Yoko Kon, who will play the role of Peter’s mother Marion Woolno, will be reunited as in Sakamoto.
In addition, Seiya Suezawa (Ae! Group / Kansai Johnny’s Jr.) has been newly selected as Peter’s lover Greg Connell, and has been announced to appear in a performance that was canceled as Dee Anthony, a talented manager. New member Hiroshi Miyakawa joins.
“THE BOY FROM OZ” supported by JACCS will be held from June 18th (Sat) to July 3rd (Sun) at Tokyu Theater Orb in Tokyo, and from July 14th (Thursday) to July 16th (Sat) in Osaka.・ Performed at the Orix Theater. Tickets will be on sale from May 14th (Sat).
Comment introduction
◆ Masayuki Sakamoto (role of Peter Allen)
The year before last, I was really disappointed that the performances disappeared due to the influence of Corona.
However, because I experienced such regret, I have more feelings for this work this time.
With a new cast, we will dramatically deliver Peter Allen’s half-life with famous songs.
This is entertainment! Please enjoy such time.
◆ Jun Shibuki (role of Liza Minnelli)
The joy of meeting Liza for the first time in 12 years two years ago, a sudden farewell … and an unexpected reunion! Liza is coming and going in me with tremendous momentum. The world is still uneasy, but once once more, the joy of meeting is transformed into energy, and the enjoyment of reunion is transformed into power … I hope you can spend a wonderful time with everyone. I hope that the riser will have the best taste so that the wine will mature and become delicious over time … with a wish.
◆ Seiya Suezawa (role of Greg Connell)
My name is Seiya Suezawa and I will play the role of Greg Connell.
When I first heard this story, I was really happy because I had always wanted to appear in a Broadway musical.
At the same time, I was excited and nervous regarding being able to work with Mr. Sakamoto, who is a big senior in the office, but now I would like to meet him soon and practice. The other cast members are all wonderful seniors, so I would like to do my best while studying a lot in the rehearsal hall. We look forward to your visit.
◆ Hiroshi Miyakawa (Dee Anthony / Dick Woolno)
Two years ago, I participated in this work for the first time! I was looking forward to it, but unfortunately it was canceled in 2020 and I started to live in a stay home. And will it be cast once more this year in 2022? Is it okay on a schedule? I was worried, but I can do it! I’m so happy that I’ve been waiting! I’m two years old, but if Sakamoto plays that difficult role once more, I’ll have to do my best too! I fully enjoy the dual roles of Peter’s father and producer.
◆ Yoko Kon (role of Marion Woolno)
My favorite work “Boy from Oz” … I’m full of joy to finally perform. I play Peter’s country mother Marion. “Don’t cry” sung in the play is familiar and very popular in my live performances. In real life, I am caring for my 95-year-old mother, so I think I can play her mother Marion warmer and kinder than before. I will do my best to chew on the joy of standing on the stage following the corona wreck!
◆ Ran Otori (role of Judy Garland)
I will repeat the performance from the premiere 17 years ago, and this time I will do my favorite Judy Garland once more. I will play with all my heart, overlapping myself with Judy, who has lived in the world of show business since childhood. The song “Boy from Oz” is quite difficult among many musicals, and there are many powerful dance scenes, and it is a work full of deep emotion that touches the hearts of customers. Please take a look. We are waiting for you at the theater.
『THE BOY FROM OZ』supported by JACCS
Performance schedule
[Tokyo Performance]June 18th (Sat) -July 3rd (Sun), 2022 Tokyu Theater Orb
[Osaka Performance]July 14th (Thursday) -July 16th (Saturday) 2022 Orix Theater
Staff cast
[Direction]Philip McKinley
[Choreographer]Joey McKneely
[Cast]
Masayuki Sakamoto
Jun Shibuki Seiya Suezawa (Ae! Group / Kansai Johnny’s Jr.) Hiroshi Miyakawa Yoko Kon Otori Ran
Tsuyoshi Matsubara Kazuma Inoue
Kosuke Ozeki Shotaro Kato Tsuyoshi Kitamura Yudai Koga
Akira Sakemoto Junpei Sano Ikuma Takahashi LEI’OH
Kaoko Taniai Eri Fukuda Misaki Machiya
Ruriko Iwasaki Sayu Otsuki Hana Kitamura Ayaka Kubota
Mari Takeuchi Ayatsuki Nakahara Shoko Yokoyama Fumiko Yoneshima
Sakuya Kimura / Seishiro Higurashi (Young Peter / W cast)
Konosuke Kogure / Shungo Shigematsu (Little Peter / W Cast)
Synopsis
Peter Allen (Masayuki Sakamoto), who has an outstanding musical taste, fled a small country town in Australia dreaming of a star, despite the worries of his mother Marion Woolnor (Yoko Kon) who watches over his talent.
After forming a duo with a friend and becoming popular, one day the stage in Hong Kong caught the eye of big actress and singer Judy Garland (Ran Otori) and was selected as the undercard of the show. Peter, who went to the United States, married Judy’s daughter Liza Minnelli (Jun Shibuki) in an electric shock, but happiness did not last long. Liza, who succeeds in Hollywood and makes a leap to become a big actress, and Peter, whose work is getting stuck. It became clear that they were homosexual, and the two began to get jerky and eventually divorced.
Peter, who started singing solo following divorce, is joined by his new girlfriend Greg Connell (Seiya Suezawa) and his talented manager Dee Anthony (Hiroshi Miyakawa) as brains, and luck is coming once more.
Peter seemed to realize his dreams one following another and stood at the height of his life, but a fact that overturned all happiness was discovered …
