Justin Tamblyn, Harry Reid and Ianto Mellish play Peter Allen in Empire Theatres’ production of The Boy From Oz

I Still Call Australia Home, Tenterfield Saddler, I Go To Rio. For many, these are simply great Aussie songs, but to others, they are Peter Allen’s lasting legacy and will be performed at Empire Theatres’ upcoming production of The Boy From Oz.

Three talented residents, including two still in their pre-teen years, will bring the larger-than-life essence of Peter Allen to a Toowoomba stage later this month.

The dazzling and touching The Boy From Oz musical will return to the Empire Theatre on March 17, with 10-year-old Harry Reid, 11-year-old Ianto Mellish and teacher Justin Tamblyn taking on the iconic Australian performer.

“The Boy From Oz is one of my favourite stories … Peter is just so flamboyant and energetic,” Harry said.

“It feels amazing (to be in the show), and when I saw young Peter as an option, I just thought … Yes!”

Ready to stage Empire Theatres production of The Boy from Oz are (from left) Harry Reid, Justin Tamblyn and Ianto Mellish, Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Harry and Ianto, who attend Holy Name Primary School and Toowoomba Anglican School, both take part in extra curricular activities in the hope of pursuing musicals into the future.

“When I auditioned, I felt like I had to be myself cause if I didn't get the role being myself, what was I going to do? it wouldn't be worth it,” Ianto said.

The two rising stars will each do three shows as Young Peter, and said they have been inspired by the whole cast, especially Mr Tamblyn who grew up in love with the musical.

Ready to stage Empire Theatres production of The Boy from Oz is Harry Reid, Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ready to stage Empire Theatres production of The Boy from Oz is Ianto Mellish, Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ready to stage Empire Theatres production of The Boy from Oz is Justin Tamblyn, Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“It’s such an iconic show and an amazing life story of a real person, so (to play Peter Allen) is a big challenge and really daunting, but really exciting too,” he said.

“He’s was a real person, so you’ve got to try to embody as much as you can into the show as I possibly can, while still trying to make it as authentic and in the moment as possible.”

While curtain time is still several weeks away, Mr Tamblyn said he was excited for audiences to see how amazing the whole cast is and the special story they get to tell.

“They’re working their butts off and it will show when the audience comes to see it,” he said.

“To especially find boys (like Harry and Ianto) who can sing, dance and act as well at such a young age … they’re doing a fabulous job.”

Tickets can be purchased at the Empire Theatres website.