Abbey Theatre tribute does Dusty Springfield proud

Abbey Theatre tribute does Dusty Springfield proud
By John Howson, David Mitchell, Melvyn Morrow
Abbey Musical Theatre
Director Ian Harman
The Auditorium, Centennial Drive
Until December 10
Reviewed by Tina Mays

To her adoring 1960s public, singer Dusty Springfield was a blazing comet of talent and she was one of the highest paid singers of that era.

But behind the teased blonde hairdos, heavy eye make-up and glittering costumes lurked Dusty’s original identity – as plain, redheaded little Mary O’Brien from Ealing, London, daughter to deeply religious, unsupportive parents.

No matter how starry her professional life, Dusty was never able to shed a deep-rooted insecurity, coupled with conflicted feelings about her true sexual orientation.

Falling from glory by the 1980s, she would rise again, shining even more brightly as a classic soul music icon.

Abbey Musical Theatre’s current musical, DUSTY, opens and closes with a recreated Royal Command performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall and, in between, lovingly explores the diva’s life, times and music, while skimming over her more extreme real life excesses.

Director Ian Harman has mounted a fast moving, toe tapping show, sprinkled with the soulful Springfield songs we all still know so well.

As the pop diva, Amy Hunt is the ultimate Dusty. Whether softly sentimental or belting it out, she’s flawless of voice and magnetic in interpretation.

Hunt is backed by a seasoned supporting cast: Erica Ward as Dusty’s songstress love Reno; Hannah Sandbrook as Dusty’s schoolgirl self Mary; Read Wheeler and Candace Higgie as Dusty’s faithful hairdresser and assistant; Ethan Maxwell as Dusty’s brother and early singing partner, Tom; Kirsten Clark and Chris Burton as the O’Brien parents; and a well-drilled ensemble of singers and dancers, not to mention a talented, hard working production team.

The only slight quibble is one that often raises its head in productions with a musical backing track – it’s occasionally too loud for the singers.

Overall, this is a poignant but ultimately joyful and triumphant show, a fitting climax to another successful Abbey Musical Theatre year.