Casting has been set for Dusty, a new multi-media show celebrating the music of 60’s pop icon Dusty Springfield. Written by Kim Weild and Duncan Sibbald with dramaturg Jack Bradley, the production is directed by Chris Cowey. Dusty will begin previews on May 25 and officially open June 3 at London's Charing Cross Theatre. The world premiere will play a limited engagement through August 22.
Ellie Ann-Lowe will play Mary O’Brien, with Francesca Jackson as Nancy, Stewart McCheyne as DJ Dave Dean, Ben Tolley as Johnny Franz, Leo Elso as Dion O’Brien/Tom Springfield, Joe Vetch as Douggie Reece, Joan Walker as Kay O’Brien, Graham Kent as Gerard ‘OB’ O’Brien, Tristan Pate as Vic Billings, Allyson Ava Brown as Martha Reeves, Danielle Kassarata as Maddie and Arabella Rodrigo as Norma. Rounding out the company will be Bex Leung, Cleo Jaeger and Marianna Neofitou.
With original music by Dusty Springfield, audiences will see and hear Springfield on stage using 3-D technology and digital media. Dusty follows the highs and lows of Springfield’s rise from middle class suburban London to the recording of her seminal album Dusty in Memphis. Through the eyes of Nancy Jones, one of Dusty's childhood friends, and other key figures who accompanied her on her journey, Dusty celebrates the life of one of Britain’s most influential recording artists.
The production will feature set designs by Phil Lindley, lighting by Eugene O’Connor, choreography by Lyndon Lloyd and sound by Paul Gavin and James Nicholson. Musical direction is by Dean Austin.
Another tuner based on the pop legend, Forever Dusty, closed off-Broadway in spring 2013.