The Boy From Oz. Peter Allen

Cover Type: Softcover
Book Condition: Fine
Jacket Condition: None Issued
Publisher: Random House Australia
Publisher Place: Milsons Point
Publisher Year: 1996
Edition: First Edition

Description: 360 pages. Book appears to have hardly been read and is in Fine condition throughout.

Publishers Description: PETER ALLEN - THE BOY FROM OZ is an insiders look at the man - his fame, image, artistry and survival. Stephen MacLean follows the fascinating and complex trajectory of Allens stardom, seeing him break out of a niche to become a part of the popular mainstream, brought to life through interviews with the people who knew and loved him the most. The composer of I Honestly Love You, I Go to Rio and I Still Call Australia Home led a classic show business life. Peter Allens performances at the height of his career in London, New York and Los Angeles were nothing less than spectacular, drawing rave reviews, cult crowds and an ever-increasing network of friends which boasted Bette Midler, Richard Gere and Harry Connick Jnr. With talent stamped all over him and a jump-start, whirl-wind marriage to Liza Minnelli, Allen had a one-way ticket to the Big Time. What could be further from his humble beginnings in country Australia than the legendary performances in his heyday that, as one critic wrote, would have scandalised any decade other than the 70s Out of the spotlight Allen was held dear by many for his vivacity and humour, and onstage for his powerhouse performances, the trademark high energy, tirelessness and camp is he-isnt he banter never failing to bring the house down. But underlying his ambition and flamboyant persona were the darker aspects of his past - the reality behind his passionate will to survive in the cut-throat international stage circuit that spanned Australia, Asia, England and America. The painful legacies of family tragedy, heartbreak, guilt, illness, and in the end, an incredibly fickle industry, all played a part in his determination to keep going. Tragically, they were also the strangleholds that cued his personal and professional curtain calls: his love for show business sustained him, but the final reality was harsher than the dream. He was not about to stay in a small town one moment longer than he had to. He was determined to survive and prevail. - Alex Buzo He introduced me to everyone in New York. - Richard Gere He was hilarious. He was kind and he had wit, savoir faire, and he had this charm that just drew everyone to him in droves. His name was on everybodys lips for years and years and years. - Bette Midler He was an extraordinary man. - Liza Minnelli

ISBN: 9780091830533