Review: Discover the Fascinating Story of 'The White Queen of Soul' in Triangle Productions' FOREVER DUSTY

It would be difficult to know less about Dusty Springfield than I did when I walked into the Sanctuary at Sandy Plaza to see triangle productions' FOREVER Dusty On Thursday. I knew some of her music, and even had an album, but that was it. Frankly, I expected the show to be a loosely knit story of her greatest hits.

Boy, was I wrong! FOREVER DUSTY tells the fascinating based-on-true story of how Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien became "The White Queen of Soul" and, according to Rolling Stone, "Britain's best ever pop singer."

Here are a few highlights. She introduced Motown to British audiences and hosted a TV program that marked the first UK television appearance of The Supremes, The Temptations, and other Motown legends. She was deported from South Africa for singing to an integrated audience, which was against the country's segregation laws. She was bisexual and was briefly married to a woman long before it was legal in California (that last part's not in the play, but interesting!).

FOREVER DUSTY is a bit of a highlight reel, hitting briefly on all of the major points in Dusty's life. Some of the scenes feel pretty rushed, but that just means there's more room for great music. And there's certainly a lot of that!

Musicals are my favorite types of shows to see at triangle productions. A lot of that is due to musical director Jonathan Quesenberry, who has proven himself equally at home with everything from Broadway standards to punk rock.

Obviously, the success of this show depends largely on the actor playing the title character. Leah Yorkston does a great job. Her voice is more classically beautiful than soulful, but that didn't bother me a bit -- it's still a great voice. And it was exciting to tag along on her transformation from young Catholic girl to music icon. Kayla Dixon -- who has an amazing set of pipes! -- also delivered a moving performance as Claire, a woman with whom Dusty had a long-term relationship. The real magic happened when they sang together.

Finally, I loved the costumes, which were modeled on clothes Dusty actually wore in the performances highlighted in the show.

FOREVER DUSTY runs through February 25. You will enjoy it. Details and tickets here.

Photo credit: David Kinder/Kinderpics

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