SIMPLY WONDERFUL: Kate White plays the role of Dusty Springfield in the upcoming Singleton Theatrical Society production. Kate says roles like these are few and far between and she seized the opportunity to be a part of the show.
THERE are so many reasons why Kate White could not refuse playing the role of Dusty Springfield in the upcoming Singleton Theatrical Society’s production, Dusty, The Musical.
The storyline, the music, singing alongside school friend Monique Chalker were reason enough but then Kate’s husband, Stephen, helped her make that final decision.
“To be honest, it was Stephen who really pushed me, he said ‘you’ve got to do it’,” Kate said at the show’s first Civic Centre rehearsal on Sunday.
“He likes the children to hear me sing and there aren’t many roles for mature women in musical theatre, this was a rare opportunity to play a lead and I just love all the music, I am a Burt Bacharach fan for sure,” Kate said.
Kate’s Dusty role is a demanding one that requires 20 costume changes, some allowing just ten seconds to complete.
The shoes, the wigs, the music, the songs, the lines and a fairly harrowing storyline have consumed the past six months for all SATS members but it is Kate who will be on the stage for most of the show.
Don’t be misled, the description of the show as harrowing isn’t an understatement.
The musical theatre production follows the life of Dusty Springfield.
As a child she dreams of becoming a glamorous movie idol but her parents tell her that her fantasies will never come true and not to dream an impossible dream.
Blessed with an amazing voice, the young Dusty ignores the comments and transforms herself into the blonde pop icon.
The show follows the incredible highs and lows of a star who experienced the very best and worst that public life brings.
“I like to push the boundaries and this musical does that, it is a bit controversial and I don’t think any country town would have taken on the script ten years ago,” Kate said.
“Like Priscilla, it is a bit controversial but I think the topic is handled a little more delicately,” Kate said.
“It is not light and fluffy but it is still considered a comedy and the writers were obviously aware of how Dusty’s life would impact an audience, it has been carefully written so people are taken through the journey and while sad in some places, it is also incredibly uplifting,” Kate said.
Kate loves the duets she sings with Monique. The pair have not had roles with such strong stage connections since they played the roles of Frenchie and Rizzo in the 1985 High School production of Grease.
“It is great to be on stage with Monique, we love it,” Kate said.
If the first rehearsals are anything to go by, the audience is in for a real treat.
Tickets for the show are now on sale at Bloons and Blooms Florist in the William Street side of Town Square.
Matinee sessions are on at 2pm on Sunday, June 24, and Saturday, June 30, 2pm.
The curtain opens for the evening sessions at 7:30pm and these are on June 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 26, 29 and 30.
qThe Singleton Argus suggests people give opening night a miss. Apparently it is a fund raiser for the local Women with Cancer Support Group and Argus editor Di Sneddon will play a tiny role as notorious and quite revolting British journalist, Jean Rook.
From all reports Georgina Hardy gives a far more convincing performance although Sneddon’s SATS debut will support a worthy cause. Maybe it is a show you might just have to see twice.