The Boy From Oz

Act 1: Peter Allen’s Early Years and Rise to Fame

Main Characters:

• Peter Allen:

  • Early Outfit:

    • Peter’s early costumes in Act 1 reflect his modest beginnings and youthful ambition. He might wear a simple suit or casual clothing from the 1950s or early 1960s, such as a button-down shirt and trousers or a blazer, reflecting the time period.
    • Accessories: A skinny tie, simple shoes, and a modest hairstyle to reflect his humble beginnings as he performs in smaller clubs or tries to break into show business.

  • Later Outfit (On Stage and TV):

    • As Peter’s career begins to take off, his costumes become more flamboyant and stage-ready. Think of bold, shiny, and colorful suits, often with dramatic lapels, to reflect his growing confidence and flamboyant persona.
    • Accessories: Platform shoes, sequined shirts, and flashy accessories that speak to his over-the-top style and rising fame.

• Liza Minnelli:

  • Outfit:
    • Liza’s costumes reflect her glamorous, iconic status in the entertainment world. Her outfits often include elegant, floor-length gowns with bold, geometric patterns, sequins, or feathers to mirror her theatrical personality.
    • Accessories: Glittering jewelry, large statement earrings, and bold makeup, with her signature short hair or wig to maintain her iconic look.

• Greg Connell:

  • Outfit:
    • Greg’s costumes reflect his more conservative, practical style. He might wear a formal suit or shirt with trousers, usually in muted colors, that contrast with Peter’s flamboyant outfits.
    • Accessories: Simple neckties and polished shoes to reflect his businessman persona and grounded character.

• Judy Garland:

  • Outfit:
    • Judy’s costumes often reflect her legendary status, with glamorous gowns in bold colors such as red or gold. Expect stage costumes that are larger than life, with dramatic cuts and rich fabrics.
    • Accessories: Statement jewelry, extravagant fur coats, and bold makeup to reflect her stardom.

• The Ensemble (Peter’s Family, Friends, and Performers):

  • Outfits:
    • The ensemble characters wear costumes appropriate for the 1950s and 1960s, including modest, practical clothing like skirts, blouses, trousers, and simple jackets for the family, or more extravagant, bold outfits for the performers at the clubs.
    • Accessories: Hats, scarves, and simple jewelry for family members, while performers may wear costumes with bold patterns, bright colors, and sequins to reflect the club scene.

Act 2: Peter Allen’s Success, Personal Life, and Legacy

Main Characters (Continued):

• Peter Allen:

  • Costume Change:

    • As Peter’s career flourishes and he navigates fame and personal struggles, his costumes become even more extravagant. Think of sharp, tailored suits in bright colors, often paired with dramatic capes or feather boas.
    • Accessories: Flashy shoes, rhinestone jewelry, and sparkling ties or cravats that reflect his transformation into a global pop star.

  • Later Years (1970s-1980s):

    • As Peter matures, his costumes become more polished, often including tailored suits, velvet jackets, and sharp tailoring to reflect his sophistication.
    • Accessories: More refined and elegant jewelry, a sleek hairstyle, and a more composed stage presence.

• Liza Minnelli:

  • Costume Change:
    • In Act 2, Liza’s costumes continue to shine with Broadway-style gowns, adorned with sequins, bold colors, and dramatic cuts, reflecting her continued influence as a theater legend.
    • Accessories: Extravagant jewelry, high heels, and larger-than-life wigs to complete her iconic look.

• Greg Connell:

  • Costume Change:
    • As Greg’s relationship with Peter changes, his costumes might evolve to reflect his personal struggles, with more casual and laid-back attire, such as plaid shirts or simple sweaters.
    • Accessories: No significant accessories, but he may wear glasses or carry simple items that reflect his role as a grounded contrast to Peter’s flamboyance.

• Judy Garland:

  • Costume Change:
    • Judy’s costumes in Act 2 reflect the toll of her fame, often seen in more somber, but still glamorous outfits, like a more understated gown or casual stage attire that reflects the passing of time and her role in Peter’s life.
    • Accessories: A more somber, yet still glamorous, set of jewelry and a more understated hairstyle.

Ensemble (Clubs, Performers, and Showgirls):

• Performers and Showgirls:
  • The ensemble costumes in Act 2 feature bold, dramatic outfits that reflect the glamorous world of show business during the height of Peter Allen’s career. Expect sequined gowns, brightly colored costumes, and extravagant accessories like feather boas, headpieces, and sparkly gloves.
• Audience:
  • The audience costumes reflect the time period, with men in suits and women in formal evening dresses or cocktail attire. As the 1970s and 1980s are reflected in Act 2, expect more luxurious and dramatic looks.

Special Notes:

• Color Palette:

  • Act 1: Earthy tones like browns, grays, and muted colors for the early years of Peter’s life. Bold, bright colors and flashy patterns as Peter enters the show business world, with high-energy performances bringing in vibrant hues like red, yellow, and electric blue.
  • Act 2: More sophisticated, polished colors like deep burgundy, gold, and velvet blue to reflect Peter’s rise to fame and personal struggles. Liza’s and Judy’s costumes also reflect a sense of elegance with the use of glitter and sequins.

• Fabric Choices:

  • Act 1: Simple fabrics like cotton and wool for the early scenes to reflect Peter’s humble beginnings. The stage costumes become increasingly luxurious with the use of satin, velvet, and sequins as Peter enters the show business world.
  • Act 2: Rich fabrics like silk, satin, and velvet are used for the more polished, luxurious outfits as Peter’s fame grows. The glitzy costumes for Liza, Judy, and the performers are full of sequins, beads, and feathers.

• Key Costume Elements:

  • Peter’s Glamour: His costumes reflect his transformation from a humble boy to an extravagant, flamboyant star. Sparkling jackets, sequined shirts, and platform shoes define his iconic look.
  • Liza’s Broadway Elegance: Liza’s costumes reflect her status as a Broadway legend, with bold colors, dramatic cuts, and glitzy accessories.
  • Greg’s Simplicity: Greg’s costumes are practical and grounded, often with muted colors and simpler lines to contrast with Peter’s flamboyant fashion.
  • Judy’s Iconic Gowns: Judy’s costumes reflect her timeless star power, with rich fabrics and dramatic, elegant designs.