Todd McKenney Songs and Stories of Peter Allen

Todd McKenney Songs and Stories of Peter Allen

He is the originator of the ultimate Peter Allen portrayal and that's why one of Australia's most versatile and critically acclaimed performers, Todd McKenney is returning to the stage with "Songs and Stories of Peter Allen", a live national concert tour from October to December 2012.

The two hour extravaganza featuring an eight piece band, singers and dancers is a brand new show and a different take on Allen's life and career that will showcase the classics, some new songs and untold stories of McKenney's time in Peter Allens sequins. This is a very personal show with an emphasis on outrageous fun.

Currently on stage with Annie The Musical and on Channel 7 as the controversial Dancing With the Stars judge, McKenney trained from the age of three in jazz, tap, acrobatics and ballroom dancing and first performed the role of Peter Allen in "The Boy From Oz" in 1998. Following nearly 800 shows to over 1.2 million people McKenney made it one of Australia's most successful musical theatre productions and became a household name earning himself two Mo Awards, the Variety Club Heart Award, the Glugg Award, the Green Room Award, the Australian Dance Award and two coveted Helpmann Awards.

Todd reprised the role of Peter Allen in The Production Company's production of The Boy From Oz in 2010 and 2011. There is an uncanny synergy between McKenney and Allen, much of which will be revealed within the show. Allen in fact had woven in and out of Todd's life in his younger years, and has remained a constant inspiration and influence to this day.

"To be totally honest I feel like I have been living with Peter Allen since 1998 and we get on really well. I love the man and I love his music," says McKenney.

"Songs and Stories of Peter Allen" will showcase many of Peter's hits including "Rio", "I Still Call Australia Home", "Not The Boy Next Door", "Tenterfield Saddler", "Everything Old Is New Again", "Quiet Please", "I Honestly Love You", "Don't Cry Out Loud", "The More I See You" and more.

"I think I've sung I Still Call Australia Home 2000 times, but I never get tired of singing it," McKenney says.

McKenney will also highlight songs from many of the artists who influenced Allen's early years including Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Frances Faye, Judy Garland and Liza Minelli.

"Up Close and Personal" will be a special 45 minute pre show event to "Songs and Stories of Peter Allen" featuring a screening of the Peter Allen documentary "The Boy From Oz Special Edition" and McKenney on stage discussing Peter's life and career along with his own personal experiences with Allen and his famous friends and career colleagues.

Todd McKenney might not be "The Boy Next Door", however he continues to shine as one of Australia's most celebrated, diverse and unique performers.

For more information visit: www.toddmckenney.com.au

Songs and Stories of Peter Allen Tour Dates
Show Times Up Close and Personal: 6:30pm
Premium Package: $150.00 Up Close & Personal, Show and $50.00 merchandise voucher.

Show: 8:00pm
Show Only Prices: From $70.00 - $75.00.

Thursday 18th and Friday 19th of October: Astor Theatre, Perth: www.bocsticketing.com.au
Friday 26th of October: Canberra Theatre: www.canberratheatrecentre.com
Saturday 27th of October: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre: www.shoalhavenentertainment.com.au
Friday 2nd and Saturday the 3rd of November: Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide: www.bass.net.au
Thursday 8th of November: The Events Centre, Caloundra: www.theeventscentre.com.au
Friday 9th of November: Jupiters, Gold Coast: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Saturday 10th of November: QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane: www.qpac.com.au
Sunday 11th of November: Empire Theatre, Toowoomba: www.empiretheatre.com.au
Thursday 15th of November: Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat: www.hermaj.com
Friday 16th of November: Costa Hall, Geelong Performing Arts Centre: www.gpac.org.au
Friday 23rd of November: State Theatre, Sydney: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Thursday 29th of November: Frankston Arts Centre: www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au
Friday 30th of November: Eastbank Centre, Shepparton: www.riverlinksvenues.com.au
Sunday 1st of December: The Palms at Crown, Melbourne: Matinee at Palms at Crown at 3pm.www.ticketek.com.au