Ruthless!

Talented eight year old Tina is ruthless in her desire to be the lead in her school play, but where does this ambition and talent come from? This campy homage to Gypsy, The Bad Seed, Mommy Dearest and Mame is a highly theatrical romp, presented in top notch style by Koorliny Arts Centre.

A fabulous looking show, the set, designed by Kate Macintosh and Allen Blachford, and constructed by Peter ‘Pear’ Carr, featured one of the best interval transformations I have seen, as the action moves from suburban living room to upscale Manhattan Penthouse. Costumes, by Alexis Kirk and Roz Adey, are clever and consciously retro, and beautifully co-ordinated. Jon Lambert’s lighting design is thoughtful and effective.

“Untalented” Judy Denmark, who thrives on housework, and revels in her role as Tina’s mother, is expertly played by the talented Genevieve Newman, who makes a wonderful mid-show transformation.

Natalie Burbage thrives in her lower register as mysterious and pushy Sylvia St. Croix, in a fabulously over-the-top performance.

Bella Freeman is an audience favourite as child performer and very cute little murderess Tina Denmark. A young actress with great depth, wonderful comic timing and depth beyond her years

Rachel Monamy is outstanding as Tina’s Grandmother, cynical theatre critic Lita Encore - absolutely nailing the song “I Hate Musicals”.

Dixie Johnston is excellent, both in her first act cameo as the unfortunate Louise Lerman and in Act 2 as put-upon personal assistant Eve, while Casey Edwards expertly embodies both 3rd grade teacher Myrna Thorn and entertainment reporter Miss Block.

Singing from all six ladies is amazing under the supervision of Musical Director Taui Pinker, and the show features strong musical accompaniment from Taui Pinker, Christian Ingram and Luke Casserly. Sound is very nicely balanced by Alex Coutts-Smith.

Ruthless is gloriously larger than life production with extra laughs for theatre folk. Koorliny has a champion of a production with this lovely little musical.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: Deprimo Photography