DUSTY The Musical – In Concert

It’s nearly 20 years since Australian writers, John-Michael Howson, David Mitchell and Melvyn Morrow brought Dusty Springfield’s story to the stage in musical form. So, it’s definitely time to celebrate Dusty again! Dusty’s rise from shy catholic girl to star solo performer is fascinating, especially with the inclusion of her relationship with a soul singer who she meets on an early tour of America. The tour would influence her search for the ‘Dusty’ soul sound. But of course, tragically, the relationship had to be kept a secret. ‘Nothing Has Been Proved’ – Dusty’s song from the 1989 film Scandal – is used in earlier scenes to underline the gossip-ridden nature of the entertainment business in the 1960s, and a wide selection of tunes are cleverly used to tell Dusty’s story. In this celebratory concert-style version directed by Jason Langley, the whole pop scene is brilliantly brought to life with vibrant projections by Craig Wilkinson and Lani Dwyer, lighting by Ben Hughes, sound by Steve Thornely, a fabulous wardrobe of swingin’ fashions by Isaac Lummis, and choreography by Michael Ralph that is so outrageously fab you’ll want to get up and dance along!

And what a cast! Dusty is one of those singers with a very distinctive voice so it must be a challenge to cast the right performer. Amy Lehpamer (& Juliet, School of Rock) makes that choice a dream job – she is simply sensational as insecure woman with the powerful voice. If you haven’t yet seen Amy on stage, then this is the show to start with. And if you are lucky enough to have seen Amy before, then you’ll only agree that she just gets better and better with each show. Do not miss her Dusty! This show proves that Amy can sing the whole range of tunes – covering the early pop days and all of the Top 40 hits – from ‘I Only Want to be With You’ and the soul-inspired ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ to ‘What Have I Done to Deserve This’ with the Pet Shop Boys.

I haven’t seen Dusty before and I was not expecting such a rich mix of songs and performers. Keeping up with Dusty every swinging’ step of the way is soul singer, Reno, (a composite of Dusty’s partners across the years), played by powerhouse performer, Jayme-Lee Hanekom (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Frozen). As Dusty’s loyal entourage Kat Harrison as Peg and Nat Jobe as Rodney provide comic relief – dealing with the singer’s costumes and all-important wigs (supplied by wig designer, Trent Whitmore) – but also her more heartbreaking moments. These performers are Dusty’s heart and soul, allowing us to glimpse the private person beneath the wig, along with Nikola Gucciardo as the young Mary O’Brien who would go on to become ‘Dusty’, and Chris Kellett and Elethea Sartorelli as her parents. The supporting cast members are super strong. They add light and shade and provide some outstanding unexpected musical numbers. Chris’s double as a Dusty drag queen is just wonderful and deserves a special mention. I also loved Jack Connor Rowan as Neil Tennant, Taye Grant as Tom Springfield, Callum Marshall and Justin Anderson as 60’s pop singers Eden Kane and Al Saxon, illustrating the pop landscape of the day. They make up an ensemble cast of nearly 20 triple-threat performers, plus there’s a rocking live band to enjoy as well, with musical direction by Brendan Murtagh (Singin’ in the Rain, Jersey Boys) and musical supervision by David Young (Jersey Boys, Wicked).

As this was a concert-style reimagining of the original, I personally would have been tempted to end Dusty’s story on a high with her comeback courtesy of the Pet Shop Boys. However, it was great to be able to get up and groove during the curtain call. The music is so good that this show needs break-out dance spaces! I wonder if we’ll see a ‘sing-along’ and ‘dance-along’ version of Dusty at some stage? I hope so!

Beth Keehn

Photographer: Brit Creative

Find out more: www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2025/dusty-the-musical-in-concert