Forever Dusty: musical about Dusty Springfield

A bio-musical About Dusty Springfield, Forever Dusty, written by Kirsten Holly Smith and Jonathan Vankin, will receive its New York premiere this fall, opening at New World Stages on 18 Nov 2012, following previews from 11 Nov 2012.

With her towering blonde beehive, spectacular outfits, and most of all, her soulful voice, Dusty Springfield became one of the first great female pop stasr of the 1960's. But how did a shy, awkward Catholic schoolgirl with the cumbersome name of Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien, transform herself into an icon for a generation?

Forever Dusty tells the story of Dusty Springfield's journey, in a musical featuring the pop song "Son of a Preacher Man," "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," "The Look of Love," and many others.

Directed by Randal Myler, the musical will star Kirsten Holly Smith in the starring role of 'Dusty Springfield.' The complete cast and creative team for Forever Dusty will be announced shortly.

The musical will be produced by Jorja Fox, Leslie Brockett, Jane Gullong, and Sandalphon Productions, with executive producer Eva Price of Maximum Entertainment Productions.

Producer Eva Price said, "Dusty Springfield was one of the most inspiring and soulful performers of the 20th century. Dusty transformed the music industry and paved the way for the likes of Adele and Amy Winehouse in a world that doesn't often appreciate the magic of vocal performance and true melody. Being able to tell Dusty's complicated and compelling life story through musical theater and Kirsten's performance is a gift to the Fall Theatrical Season."