Dusty - The Musical @ Zenith Theatre: Review

Dusty - The Musical @ Zenith Theatre: Review

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Posted 2012-11-06 by Ninifollow

Fri 02 Nov 2012 - Sat 10 Nov 2012

This musical powerhouse may have been around way before my time, but with the legend status her and her songs claimed, I was certainly familiar with the name and of course, the undeniably memorable tunes she created. Who doesn't know "Son of A Preacher Man", "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" and "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself", just to name a few of the classics.

This production at the Zenith Theatre from the Chatswood Musical Society is told from two perspectives. Director Fiona Kelly brings this tale to life through the eyes of the plain and dowdy aspiring school girl that was Mary O'Brien (Gabriella Glenn). And the eyes of her vivacious, glamorous alter-ego Dusty Springfield (Linda Hale). The young girl with stars in her eyes, an impeccable voice in her soul and dismissive whispers from her parents in her ears, had big plans. No matter how little encouragement her parents had for her, she had her dream and she wasn't going to be deterred. With her transcendent talent, phenomenal voice and everlasting passion, she was going to be a star.

After mixing and matching her talents with different musicians who crossed her path, she finally found the answer to her endless search for the perfect sound. She dabbled in any and every genre of music before she fell in love with the one rhythm that stole her heart. She had an intensely specific imagining of what the perfect sound was for her and was thrilled when she finally encountered and expressed it.

During her creative adventures she also came across another love, the love of a good woman, Reno (Miriam Ramsay). A soul singer from America who brought out something new in Dusty. Sometimes deliriously happy, sometimes completely off the rails. It was tumultuous, whether good or bad, it was all consuming.

After years of trials and tribulations, all the highs and lows, it had taken a great toll on Dusty. Feeling all the pressure of what the world wanted her to be and believing she could never live up to it, she began to fall apart. Disastrous decisions, hopeless emotions and a pit of loneliness in her stomach meant she was in for a rough road.

When she finally found her way out from under that dark cloud, there was hope again. There was a life she wanted to lead and a legion of fans to help her embrace it. It may not all be smooth sailing from there, a new battle to rage against, but at least she had found some form of peace in her existence.

The story of this legendary diva is one of self-belief, perseverance, passion, heartache and soul. Linda Hale gives a stellar performance as Ms Dusty, a powerful, pitch-perfect voice. She really brought the swagger and style needed to portray this iconic role. Miriam Ramsay is absolutely stunning and captivating as Reno, a stand out vocal performance was delivered and she was definitely capable of busting a move or two on the dance-floor.

I thoroughly enjoyed this musical of a daring divas life. All the glitz, glamour and powerhouse voices you'd ever need in a musical. Songs we all know and love, characters to delight and an invigorating urge to wiggle around in your seat to the music.

#chatswood
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#november
!date 02/11/2012 -- 10/11/2012
%wnsydney
194654 - 2023-06-16 04:02:49

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