mmg.com.au

Critically acclaimed singer, dancer and self-proclaimed "loud-mouthed" judge Todd McKenney has returned to his musical roots with his new show, Songs and Stories of Peter Allen.

The versatile performer, who rose to fame playing Allen in the biographical production The Boy from Oz, said the show would honour the iconic entertainer’s contribution to the Australian music landscape and to his own career.

"He was such a great Australian, the way he talked to the audience... he’s a very honest performer on stage and that’s how I try to be," McKenney said.

The show boasts an impressive line-up of songs including audience favourites Tenterfield Saddler, Rio, and I Honestly Love You.

There is also the optional addition of an "up close and personal" session with McKenney before the start of the show.

But McKenney was emphatic that the performance was more like a cabaret rather than a traditional tribute show.

"It’s Todd, being Todd, singing Peter," he said.

"This is my personal story, about when I met him and also about my experience during The Boy from Oz."

McKenney, who is also a judge on the Australian version of television’s Dancing with the Stars, said is was "refreshing" to be able to perform without hiding behind a character.

"It’s nice for people to see the real you," he said.

"Peter Allen once said to me, 'Be yourself, because everyone else is taken,' and that’s been my mantra all through my career.

"I think it’s important to remind people that I’m not just a loud-mouthed judge on Dancing with the Stars, I actually do this for living, this is what I am.

"This is my anchor, this is what I know best. I love the television stuff, but this is where I feel most at home... seeing the live audience."

McKenney will be doing more than just "seeing" the live audience next Friday night, he will also be offering them an interactive experience — entirely "non-threatening audience participation", he hastened to add.

"I’m never really quite sure what I’m going to talk about... it’s liberating, there (are) changes every night depending on the crowd."

Songs and Stories of Peter Allen is on at 8 pm on Friday, November 30 at the Eastbank Centre, Shepparton. For more information, phone 5832 9511 or visit www.riverlinks.com.au.