Dusty Springfield showcased

AMT Musical director Andrea Maxwell. Photo: SUPPLIED

Abbey Musical Theatre (AMT) is staging Dusty at the Auditorium from November 24 to December 10.

Musical director Andrea Maxwell (pictured) says Dusty Springfield was a towering figure in the pop world from the 1960s until her death in 1999.

"Dusty had a distinctive voice and popularised soul music which had become an integral part of the American pop scene. She had a finely tuned musical ear with an extraordinary control of tone.

"Dusty knew exactly what she was doing and developed a breathy sensuality which she created for her stage personality."

Dusty struggled with her life, identity and relationships off stage, and was a private woman. Her fame drove her to alcoholism and for a period in her life, she retreated from public view.

When she returned to the stage, she remained a dominant force in the pop scene until cancer took her at a comparatively young age.

Ms Maxwell emphasises that Dusty the musical isn't a tribute show; it's a journey from childhood which sees Dusty grow from being the back-up singer to her brother Tom, the dominant sibling, to discovering herself, her music and her career.

Dusty encounters every emotion and uses her voice to express her identity. Songs such as Yesterday When I Was Young, Son Of A Preacher Man and I Only Want To Be With You reflect the various stages of her life.

Ms Maxwell was born into musical theatre. Over the last few years she's played leading and supporting roles in such shows as 42nd Street, Les Miserables, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar and Hot Mikado.

Dusty is her first production as musical director for AMT and is supported by Kirsten Clark and Amy Hunt who play leading roles.

"The show has come around at a perfect time for Amy to demonstrate her incredible talent. Amy has all the vocal features required for the performances and has been working on the role for six months.

"She's taken on board her mannerisms, movements and even her spoken voice. Amy is very faithful to the role and has huge respect for Dusty and what she achieved."

Dusty, directed by Ian Harman with musical director Andrea Maxwell, runs at The Auditorium from November 24 to December 10. Bookings at www.abbeymusicaltheatre.co.nz