Dusty the Musical Review
Adelaide Festival Centre
December 31, 2016
Words by Tony Polese
As I made my way to the Adelaide Festival Centre on New Years Eve for Dusty the musical, I thought to myself what a wonderful way to spend New Years Eve as it was my first time of taking in a musical on this night of nights on the calendar.
As I made my way inside, I sensed that special buzz in the air which was different to opening night for other musicals held during the year. Majority of guests, male and female were dressed immaculately for the occasion.
After a photo on the red carpet, it was time to settle in for the show with the audience greeted on stage with a young girl playing with a wig.
Before reviewing the show, a little background about it.
Dusty the musical revolves around Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O’Brien being her birth name. She of course was known as Dusty Springfield who was a legendary musician, record producer and TV presenter. And to this day, one of the best British female performers.
The musical is presented by The Production Company who are based in Melbourne. And tonight, the musical returns to Adelaide after appearing ten years ago.
The show begins with a teenage Dusty who is a tomboy with red hair who has dreams of becoming big.
And when she discovers that she has an amazing voice and sound, its onwards and upwards as her legendary career brings her to the US, helps her find love, and makes lifelong friends along the way.
The first half of the show is joyful as we see a happy and joyful Dusty realising her dreams, and receiving huge accolades for the way she sings with soul.
But with the second half, we learn that Dusty goes through dark occasions in her life with alcohol addiction, dealing with the pressure of her sexuality, and musical talent due to lack of motivation.
But through the strength of inner belief, and the help of her two lifetime friends, Dusty bounces back with a live at the Royal Albert Hall concert which had royalty in attendance, and making songs with The Pet Shop Boys.
Amy Lehpamer with her amazing voice plays Dusty and sings her songs in such a fantastic manner. Her all round performance was a joy to watch.
Todd McKenny and Virginia Gay (Dusty’s lifelong friends) were also very popular with the sold out opening night audience.
This was a perfect fun show to bring in 2017, and with the entire audience giving the performers a standing ovation, it wasn’t just me that had already experienced a perfect New Years Eve, even before midnight struck.
The music of Dusty will level die, and on this night, Dusty was well and truly alive in the Festival Theatre.
Dusty the musical runs until Sunday, 22 January. Book at BASS.
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