If you are expecting a feel-good production like ”South Pacific” or “Annie”, “Ruthless, The Musical” is not. lf you are open to some wild irreverent entertainment with an ending you would never suspect, stop by Citadel Theatre and see their bold and brash production of “Ruthless, The Musical”.
We can’t make any disclosures as this parody of stardom on the stage will show you that no one is who they seem when virtually all the characters are chasing the spotlight. And you thought sports and Jeopardy were competitive?
It starts as a simple story about an aspiring grade school actress, Tina Denmark, played very well by Oliva Mulder, who has just latched on to a high-powered talent agent, Sylvia St. Croix (Bob Bullen), but does not even get the lead in the school play. Not to be detoured (deterred) from her route to fame and fortune, this frighteningly ambitious little girl concocts a plan that will jolt you. Bob Bullen, playing the female role of Sylvia St. Croix, was just amazing.
As I usually do, I watched another production of “Ruthless, The Musical” (The London West End production) on Broadway HD to make a comparison. Bob Bullen was even better as Sylvia St. Croix than Jason Gardiner. While all the actors in Citadel’s production are quite good Bob Bullen’s performance alone is worth the trip.
Christina Ramirez skillfully directed and choreographed this production but I want to specifically give a shout out to Aaron Zimmerman for handling this somewhat abstract music on his keyboard, so well.
Ruthless, The Musical is highly recommended (unless you’re hung up on the feel-good oldies) and can be seen through May 17 at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest. Visit www.CitadelTheatre.org for more information on this and other plays.