DUSTY

ANYONE who has ever dreamed, then achieved, the “impossible” is encouraged to come and see Dusty The Musical, which is coming to Koorliny Arts Centre for one night only. Presented by the Stray Cats Theatre Company and directed by Karen Francis, the story focuses on London schoolgirl Mary O’Brien’s rise to fame as the glamorous Dusty Springfield, despite being told by her parents that she would never make it to the top. But while Dusty, the gorgeous blonde star, is the image the world sees, it is an illusion behind which little Mary O'Brien still lives – the alter ego from which Dusty can never escape and who remains with her throughout her life. As Dusty finds, success is hollow and real happiness elusive, and at the pinnacle of international success she finds the pressure unbearable. Will she make it back to the top? Featuring more than 30 hits including I Only Wanna Be With You, Wishin’ and Hopin’, Son of a Preacher Man and Dancing in the Street, the show stars Ali Hill as Dusty, with choreography by Melissa Smith and vocal direction by Carole Dhu. Mandurah-based Ali Hill, who will star as Dusty, said she had put considerable effort into researching the era because the show covered four decades of Springfield’s life. “She’s an icon,” Hill said. “You can’t just pick up the mic and do karaoke. “They’re big shoes to fill, but I’ll do my best to do her justice.” Hill said rehearsals had been punctuated with plenty of laughter. “There are a lot of funny moments, especially when we try to learn new songs,” she said. “Also the wigs – the wigs are pretty funny. “The cast is really talented. Rehearsals are going really well.” Dusty will show at the Koorliny Arts Centre on November 12 at 2pm and 8pm. For more information about the centre, visit www.koorliny.com.au or book tickets on 9467 7118.