Reviewed by: Sophie King

Editor: Oscar Lidgerwood

The Wizard of Oz, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserable, Come From Away, West Side Story. A quick hour of heartbreak, hope, love, despair, laughter and grief that one could only receive from a one-woman cabaret.

Directed by Carly Fisher, Broadway Diva is Olivia Ruggiero’s beautiful love letter to the drama and passion of musical theatre. 

The eclectic, quirky ambience of The Butterfly Club is strangely the most fitting place to hold Olivia’s passionate, and mighty voice. The intimate venue creates an immediate connection, and from then on, it’s you and Olivia. Sixty minutes where I sat in awe of her devotion to the stage, and her admirably perfect pitch. 

The simple staging is all that is needed as Olivia’s dazzling beaded dress, little Wizard of Oz style slippers and vocal power entrance you into a delightful musical theatre oblivion. Mark Bradley’s piano accompaniment swiftly yet subtly establishes an atmosphere which perfectly  grants Olivia her spotlight. 

Fisher’s direction created such a captivating pace; after each song I would briefly look to the person beside me for a shared moment of astonishment over Ruggiero’s powerful vocals, only to quickly return my attention to the stage, to ensure I didn’t miss her next masterpiece. 

An alluring array of various Broadway songs, the entirety of the performance is an incongruous mosaic artwork of beautiful melodrama. Whilst in the wrong hands this could very well become completely tedious and over-the-top, Broadway Diva delivered what can only be described as a raw portrayal of the extremes of human emotion. 

There is a disjointedness to the show as you jump from the light-heartedness of the Wizard of Oz to the heart felt despair of Les Mis, but I think that is its purpose. As Olivia explores every possible realm of her vocal range, the operatic and the incredible breath management, the audience is exposed to countless stories, and emotions.

The memorable 90 seconds of Opera, ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ was sensational, and the light-hearted tune from Tootise, is performed with adorable jocularity and fun. She rewrites “Everything I Know” from In The Heights to express gratitude to her Grandmother, who inspired her love of musical theatre. This touching rendition would have to be a personal standout of the night, as this great performer steps out of the characters and has a real vulnerable moment with the audience. 

The show at its heart is an ode to musical theatre, as Olivia details how she began her love for musicals, and also the challenging industry it is to break into. Her comments in between songs convey her wit and humility, immediately contrasting with the extreme depth and passion that seconds later echoes from her. 

But her genuine love for musical theatre is evident throughout. Olivia loves what she is doing, and it makes you love it too.  

Broadway Diva is for those who love musical theatre, and maybe even those who don’t… 

Broadway Diva played at The Butterfly Club, Melbourne from the 16th to 17th of June, 2023

As of publishing, Broadway Diva is currently touring, with shows scheduled from Darwin to Edinburgh. Info can be found here.