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FEATURE |
Dusty prepares to
tackle nation It's
one of the most anticipated new musicals in years - and it's about to commence a mammoth
Australian tour that, from all indications, will be a smash hit.Dusty has already commenced previews in Melbourne, and will open at The Arts Centre (State Theatre) on January 12, before touring the country. Dusty Springfield died on March 2, 1999 - a few weeks before her 60th birthday. For three decades she had reigned as one of the world’s greatest female vocalists. Like Elvis, there was nothing - from folk-pop to technopop - that Dusty couldn’t sing. "Dusty is the story of a pop diva from a middle class family who becomes the biggest female pop star Britain has known – who loses it all and then gets it back right at the end of her life," Producer Dennis Smith says. "It is riveting story, with more than 30 songs that were major hits for Dusty and other international artists. "We are encouraged by the way Australian audiences have taken to musicals based on legendary stars such as Buddy, SHOUT!, and The Boy From Oz. With the combination of Dusty’s compelling story and her many hit songs we have a show that should have the same appeal." The musical has been written by John Michael Howson, David Mitchell and Melvyn Morrow, and all three have worked on the project for some time. The production stars Tamsin Carroll (Grease, SHOUT!, Oliver), and as revealed first by AussieTheatre.com last year, she'll be joined by pop star Deni Hines, Kaye Tuckerman, Mitchell Butel, Trisha Noble and Glen Butcher. The show also features Rachel Bickerton, Bianca Campbell, Alinta Chidzey, Bobby Fox, Simone Kay, Yvette Lee, Tanya Mitford, Liam McIlwain, Monique Montez, John O'Hara, Andrew Perry, Nathan Pinnell, Daniel Scott, Lucinda Shaw, Stephen Wheat, Brenton Wilson and Tracy Wilson Stewart. The show also introduces a young performer that many people are talking about - Alexis Fishman. Fishman will take the role of Young Dusty. Dusty Springfield was responsible for such hits as "You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me", "I Only Want To Be With You", "Son Of a Preacher Man", "I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself", "Wishin’ & Hopin'", "Stay a while" and "The Look of Love" and with so many hits to back up what was a turbulent yet brilliant life story, there's little doubt Dusty has all the elements of success. Whether or not the Australian musical theatre audience agrees is the big question. Dusty opens in Melbourne on January 12 (bookings: 1300 136 166) and transfers to Sydney's Lyric Theatre on March 22. It will then play seasons in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. |