Olivia Ruggiero performs Broadway Diva at Adelaide Fringe.
It’s a rare voice that can deliver soaring arias and musical theatre show-stoppers with equal naturalness and conviction; and a very rare talent that can put them together seamlessly in an entertaining solo show. Olivia Ruggiero is that rare talent.
Broadway Diva is a cabaret styled show created by Ruggiero and Carly Fisher, artistic director and founder of Theatre Travels. It’s the perfect platform to showcase Ruggiero’s vocal virtuosity in opera and musical theatre and it is darned entertaining to boot.
Ruggiero performs songs that span not only two diverse genres, but a wide range of styles within those genres. From Disney to Lloyd-Webber to Rogers & Hammerstein to Puccini, Bellini and much more.
Olivia Ruggiero. Photo: Monique Harmer
With each song, Ruggiero adds her distinct touch, infusing it with originality, warmth, charm and lots of personality. She embodies characters and renders emotions with startling depth and dexterity, switching from tortured to comical within the space of a 1-bar count-in.
“This show is, in many ways, an ode to the incredible musicians, lyricists, composers and songwriters that have made an indelible mark on our careers and lives. It is also our own special thank you to the people in our lives who introduced us to shows, fostered our passion and continue to support our dreams – our families. If you’ve ever seen a show, or a movie, and walked out with a song stuck in your head…this show is for you!” said Fisher.
Carly Fisher. Image: Theatre Travels
Broadway Diva was a hit at the Adelaide Fringe earlier this year and Ruggiero received a standing ovation when she performed in Claire’s Kitchen in Sydney last month.
The show will launch and play three nights at the inaugural Live at the Bandstand event at the newly created Sydney venue, Qtopia. It then travels to Bathurst, Melbourne and Darwin before heading over to Edinburgh in August.