Following on from its production of MISS SAIGON, the Chatswood Musical Society rise once more to the challenges of yet another major musical. DUSTY- THE ORIGINAL POP DIVA is a well-constructed ‘jukebox musical’. Like SHOUT or JERSEY BOYS,
it is built primarily around the subject’s own hits.
An attractive, effective and practical set blends elements from various decades. This includes a well-lit modern backdrop. Behind the set a well-balanced band supports the changing moments on stage. Soloists and ensemble perform with relevant musical style as well as presence for each decade covered.
Recreations of early pop music TV shows delight and a celebrity gossip reporter tempts and taunts. The lure of the flower power movement, disco or nightclubs are all keenly depicted. Comic characterisations and humour are performed well and succeed in easing tensions.
Linda Hale thrills and educates audiences with her accurate depiction of the pop diva. Using a thorough approach to Springfield’s subtle-firecracker style of vocal delivery and gesture, Hale wrenches Dusty back to life. The on-stage confrontations between the adult Dusty and her teenage self, played expressively by Gabriella Glenn, are, at all times, highly focused
Bernadette Baran delivers a feisty version of Dusty’s mother, Kay. Her singing of ‘My Colouring Book’ in Act Two is well-timed and poignant. You can also feel and see her physical and emotional pain.
As love interest and American musical influence, the character of Reno is excitingly portrayed with formidable range and truth by Miriam Ramsay. It is satisfyingly sung and danced.
A large quantity of props is used to enhance the demands of this show’s long list of sometimes short scenes. Perhaps this was at times too detailed. Scene changes were at times demanding but mostly smooth, thanks to a hard working crew.
The jukebox-musical DUSTY- THE ORIGINAL POP DIVA verges on the bio-musical with its meaty story and creative arrangement of musical material. In this current production’s genuine and joyous guise, this show should not be missed.
Chatswood Musical Society’s production of DUSTY opened at the Zenith theatre, corner Railway and MacIntosh streets, Chatswood on Friday 2nd November and runs until Saturday 10th November, 2012.
© Paul Nolan
3rd November, 2012
Tags: DUSTY- THE ORIGINAL POP DIVA, Chatswood Musical Society, Linda Hale, Gabriella Glenn, Bernadette Baran, Miriam Ramsay, Sydney Arts Guide, Paul Nolan.