Dusty Springfield
A jukebox musical featuring the songs of Dusty Springfield, directed by Maria Friedman and starring Katherine Kingsley.
Dusty – The Dusty Springfield Musical is a jukebox musical by Jonathan Harvey based on the life and music of singer Dusty Springfield. The production features songs sung by Springfield, bringing her iconic voice directly to the stage. It made its world premiere at the Theatre Royal, Bath, running from 23 June to 7 July 2018. Following this debut, the show embarked on a UK tour, visiting the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield (10 to 14 July), the Theatre Royal in Newcastle (17 to 21 July), and The Lowry in Salford (24 to 28 July). Directed by Maria Friedman, the production starred Katherine Kingsley in the title role. This musical stands alongside the 2006 Australian jukebox musical Dusty – The Original Pop Diva as a theatrical tribute to Springfield's career.
Quick Facts
- Birth name
- Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien
- Born
- 16 April 1939
- Birthplace
- London, England
- Died
- 2 March 1999
- Place of death
- Henley-on-Thames, England
- Occupation
- Singer
- songwriter
- record producer
- television presenter
- Years active
- 1958–1995
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The narrative of the production centers on the life of Dusty Springfield, utilizing her own recorded tracks to tell her story. Jonathan Harvey crafted this jukebox format, ensuring that the audience experiences Springfield's music as an integral part of the dramatic arc rather than just a soundtrack. The musical premiered in Bath in June 2018 before moving through major venues like Sheffield, Newcastle, and Salford in July of the same year. Maria Friedman took charge as director, guiding Katherine Kingsley, who assumed the title role of Springfield. The show's structure relies on the power of Springfield's original recordings to drive the plot forward. Unlike a standard biopic with actors mimicking vocals, this production features songs sung by Springfield herself, creating an authentic auditory link between the character and her real-life legacy.
Reader's Guide
For those seeking information on the theatrical portrayal of Dusty Springfield, the primary reference is 'Dusty – The Dusty Springfield Musical.' This specific production was written by Jonathan Harvey and distinguished by its use of songs sung by Springfield. Fans looking for performance dates should note the world premiere took place at the Theatre Royal, Bath from 23 June to 7 July 2018. Subsequent tour stops included Sheffield (Lyceum Theatre, 10–14 July), Newcastle (Theatre Royal, 17–21 July), and Salford (The Lowry, 24–28 July). Key creative personnel include director Maria Friedman and lead actress Katherine Kingsley. It is important to distinguish this from the 2006 Australian production, 'Dusty – The Original Pop Diva,' which was a different jukebox musical also based on her life.
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