The Rubys

Girl groups were popular in the 60’s as young singers teamed up with songwriters and music producers to create hit singles that dominated the charts around the globe.

The Rubys is a colourful and moving tribute to the era recreating the look and sound of the girl group pop phenomenon with dazzling costumes, iconic 60's dance moves, sweet harmonies and catchy melodies. 

With the show including the likes of The Supremes, The Shangri-Las, The Crystals, The Angels and Lulu, the Rubys also pay tribute to artists who emerged decades later, but were undoubtedly influenced by those groups including The Pointer Sisters, Tina Turner, The Weather Girls, Stars on 54, and the cast of Glee. 

Overall, the 60’s girl groups had a profound influence on pop/rock and British invasion acts like the Beatles. Their songs celebrated female desire with lyrics innocent and yearning.

In recent years Dreamgirls has renewed interest in the girl groups of the 60’s, as the movie tells the story of a small black record label, and its star singers who rise to the top of the charts. 

The Rubys were created by Betty Samis. "I am blessed to be working with such professional and fun performers. I hope you enjoy the show as much as we do performing it" she says.

 

Biography

 

BETTY SAMIS 
Betty has many years experience in the entertainment industry, fronting various cover bands and touring with the Tina Turner Tribute Show. She moved to Queensland performing at Dunk Island resort before settling in FNQ to take on a variety of roles within the media, breakfast 
co-host, radio talkback producer, and entertainment reporter for Channel 10. Her theatre credits include Mary Magdeline in Jesus Christ Superstar, Katisha in the Hot Mikado, Lucy in Cosi, Sonia in Godspell, and Star Ovgrez in Waiting for Botox at the 2009 Adelaide Fringe, where the show received an ATG nomination for best professional comedy. She has until recently been part of the girl group Motown Dream and Sonnet. With a natural ability to entertain children, she's a presenter with kids group The Buzzies. With a passion for entertainment, she freelances as a entertainment correspondent on Radio FIVEaa. Teaming up with Leah and Rita, she is excited to bring this show to audiences. 

 

LEAH TREGENZA
Leah is a highly entertaining and versatile vocalist who has developed her stage craft over many years performing for Adelaide audiences. Her warmth, energy and powerful voice blends in wonderfully with the other Ruby girls. She has inherited vocal qualities from her aunt Julie Anthony. An impressive performing background including popular bands Planet Square (Penelope Heartstop) Flirt and Chocolate. She has appeared as a regular performer at Carols By Candlelight Elder Park as well as singing the anthems for the 2010 and 2011 Tour Down Under.

 

RITA PASTORE
Rita will stun you with her powerful vocals and magical stage presence. She is trained in voice, classical, jazz, tap dance and acting making her an all round entertainer. She has performed overseas in lavish Vegas shows and as a children's presenter with Disney. Locally, Rita has performed in theatre shows, "The Fabulous Follies" "Up Your Toga" "Diamond Lils" and "Rock n Roll Reunion". Rita is a passionate performer and fits in perfectly with The Rubys. She also performs in a duo called Blush.

 

LISA MATHEWS - Understudy/Swing
No stranger to the entertainment industry, Lisa is currently the lead singer of local cover bands Agent 99 and Cherry Soda. She is a trained actor in film, television & theatre having appeared on McLeods Daughters and most recently The Boys are Back & Oranges and Sunshine. Her theatre credits include Hot Mikado in the UK, Shirley Springer in British farce, Pardon Me Prime Minister and more recently Irene Molloy in Hello Dolly. She is currently a presenter for locally produced documentary, Life on Venus as well as having presented for Awesam TV & Rise TV. Lisa has also trained with the likes of Broadway Casting Director, Andy Zerman through TVI Studios in New York and has dance training through Mighty Good Studios and Leigh Warren Dancers. Lisa is absolutely thrilled to be a part of The Rubys. 

 

DARREN MULLAN - TRACK PRODUCER
Darren's skills are in demand as a producer both in Australia and overseas. He's worked on projects with Tom J Williams, (Australian Idol), Grace Bawden, three times Grammy winner John Hampton, Dianna Corcoran and Caper just to name a few.