More than 20 years have passed since Ruthless! opened off-Broadway, introducing Laura Bell Bundy as Tina Denmark (and later performed by Britney Spears and Natalie Portman), and the show is finally back!
Created by Marvin Laird (composer) and Joel Paley (book, lyrics and direction), Ruthless! opened on Monday, July 13 at St. Luke’s Theater on 46th Street.
From the opening moment to the rousing finale, Ruthless! lives up to its title. This production is delightfully fast, deliciously funny and delectably decadent. Filled with uproarious tour de force performances by the entire cast, Ruthless! is a perfect evening of entertainment.
Flawlessly directed by Joel Paley, the entire cast hits their marks — from the incredible comic vocal stylings of Kim Maresca to the Merman-esque belting of Rita McKenzie (Ethel Merman’s Broadway, RUTHLESS L.A.) to the psychotically childstar turn by Tori Murray (Paper Mill’s New Voices of 2014: Oh, What a Night!). Peter Land’s (Cabaret, All’s Well That Ends Well, My Fair Lady), Tracy Jai Edwards’ (Hairspray, Legally Blonde) and Andrea McCullough’s (Urinetown, Grease) performances add to the festivities.
If you are a fan of The Bad Seed and All About Eve — and even if you’re not — Ruthless! is sure to leave you with a big grin on your face for the rest of the night and longer.
Click on each image below to view larger versions of the images from Ruthless!’ opening night red carpet, curtain call and after party. Photos by Bitten By A Zebra Photography.
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