Ruthless, the Musical

Act3 Theatre

through October 3, 2015

If you are a theatre lover, you’ve heard stories of professional betrayal and corruption in the entertainment industry; such as It’s not who you know, but who you . . . . when they talk of casting couches, etc.

This funny take off of the business which was written originally as an all female cast, has been playing to happy audiences since 1992. Although one of the ladies is traditionally played by a guy in drag. And, Patrick Hill pulls off the role of Sylvia to perfection in this one.

It’s a story about a young girl who is really talented and sees herself having a life in the theatre. The role is played by two young actors who alternate dates. The night I saw the play the girl, Tina, was played by sixth-grader Josslyn Milne who has already trod the boards in several shows and has what it takes.

Her mom, Judy, is sung by Lisa Hatt, and she may not be exactly who everyone thinks she is. But, on the other hand, nobody seems to turn out to be who we might have them to be. Ergo, the essence of the story how the show biz folks will stop at nothing to reach their goals. Liane LeMaster is the teacher who has to select the cast for an upcoming play in Tina’s school. The play got some funding help from a couple of businesses owned by the Lerman family; and somehow it just happened that Louise Lerman (Paige Crawford) got tapped for the role, albeit you may not have chosen her were you in the director’s chair.

Kim Hoover, Carly Frates and Jessie Kuipers round out the cast and Paul Tate is on the keyboard to provide the music for the 20 numbers which quickly move from maybe to mayhem. Michelle Davis directed this one and she and the entire cast and crew do a really good job. You’ll fall in love with the young girl who wants to go center stage as Pippi in Tahiti.

Easy to get to in Sandy Springs right behind Trader Joe’s, free parking and good seating. For times and tickets visit them at Act3Productions.org