Get ready for “the stage mother of all musicals.”
Ladysmith Musical Arts is set to deliver mayhem, murder and musical numbers with their upcoming production of Ruthless!, a campy, hilarious satire about the cutthroat world of the theatre and child stardom. The dark comedy runs June 12 to 28 at Ladysmith Little Theatre.
Ruthless! follows eight-year-old Tina Denmark, a precocious, tap-dancing terror who will do anything, including murder, to land the lead in her school’s production of Pippi in Tahiti (a fictional musical adaptation of Pippi Longstocking.)
What begins as a playful send-up of stage mothers and child performers quickly spirals into a full-blown spoof of Broadway ambition, “women’s films” of the ’50s and ’60s, and the desperate pursuit of fame.
The musical features a six-woman cast and is produced by an all-women-owned company. For Ladysmith Musical Arts, it marks an ambitious next step following their recent success with Little Shop of Horrors.
“While this show may be lesser known than our previous production, Ruthless! deserves all the attention in the world,” said Katarina Skakun-Ward, co-owner of Ladysmith Musical Arts. “The themes of ambition, determination, and the lengths people go to achieve their dreams resonate strongly, and we're excited to bring our unique perspective to this beloved show.”
With music by Marvin Laird and book and lyrics by Joel Paley, Ruthless! has earned a cult following for its witty songs, twisted plot and outrageously unhinged characters. The show is packed with inside theatre jokes, surprise reveals and genre parodies that offer a tongue-in-cheek nod to Gypsy, Valley of the Dolls, All About Eve, and more.
Performances take place June 12-15, 19-22, and 26-28 at Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and available online at www.ladysmithmusicalarts.com
