Ruthless! is a darkly comic musical that centers around the character of Tina Denmark, an eight-year-old girl who desperately wants to play the lead in her school musical, "Pippi in Tahiti." Tina is convinced that she has what it takes to be a star, and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the part.
The story follows Tina as she goes to great lengths to win the role of Pippi, including sabotaging the other auditioning students and even committing murder. As the show progresses, Tina learns more about herself and where her talent comes from, ultimately revealing a surprising twist that turns the story on its head.
The production features a number of memorable songs, including "Born to Entertain," "Tina's Mother," "I Hate Musicals," and "The Me Inside of Me." The show was written by Joel Paley and Marvin Laird and premiered Off-Broadway in 1992, where it received critical acclaim and a cult following.
Ruthless! is known for its over-the-top characters, outrageous plot twists, and biting satire of showbiz culture. It has since been produced in theaters around the world, and has garnered a devoted fanbase among theater lovers and fans of dark comedy alike.