By Denny Patterson

Island City Stage is diving headfirst into campy chaos with its Season 14 opener, Ruthless!—a hilariously twisted musical that proves talent and ambition can be a killer combination. 

Playing Nov. 6 – Dec. 7, 2025, this cult classic is packed with razor-sharp wit, outrageous characters, and shocking plot twists that will take audiences on a wild ride through the cutthroat world of show business, where even an 8-year-old starlet isn’t afraid to eliminate the competition.

At the center of the madness is South Florida actress Lindsey Corey, whose performance helps bring Joel Paley and Marvin Laird’s delicious satire to life under the direction of Andy Rogow. 

Promising laughs, gasps, and pure theatrical fun, OutClique caught up with the star to talk more about her role, the joys and challenges of playing over-the-top comedy, and why this show continues to slay audiences decades after its Off-Broadway debut.

Denny Patterson: Hi, Lindsey! How excited are you to be involved with Island City Stage’s production of Ruthless!?

Lindsey Corey: I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of Ruthless!! I’ve loved this show since I saw it 12 years ago at Actors’ Playhouse, starring some of my very close and incredibly talented friends. I remember laughing the entire time and walking out of the theatre thinking, ‘I have to do this play one day. I want to make people laugh like this!’

Denny Patterson Ruthless! is described as Gypsy meets The Bad Seed with jazz hands. How would you personally describe the show to someone who has never seen it?

Lindsey Corey: (Laughs) That’s a fun description! I would describe it as a witty, campy, fast-paced, dark comedy that explores the lengths we’re willing to go to in order to get the life we think we want. It’s a laugh-a-minute, tongue-in-cheek musical that has it all. Tap dancing children, stage mothers, more plot twists than you can count, and of course—murder!

Denny Patterson: Without giving away spoilers, what can you share about the character you’re portraying?

Lindsey Corey: My character is Judy Denmark, and she would describe herself in two words, “Tina’s Mother.” I think that says a lot about her and how she sees herself. She is a devoted housewife and mother, a la Mrs. Cleaver. She dotes on Tina, and her most notable quality is her consummate politeness. As the show progresses, Judy goes on quite a journey. Judy in Act II is a very different woman than who we meet in Act I. No spoilers, but the transformation is exciting.

Denny Patterson: Do you find yourself relating to Judy in any unexpected ways?

Lindsey Corey: The characters in this show are so wild and outrageous, but I think the thing I resonate the most with in this show is the humor. These people are hilarious, and my favorite thing to do in this world is laugh and make others laugh. Judy is funny. Now, whether she’s always aware of it, that’s another story.

Denny Patterson: The show pokes fun at ambition and showbiz. Have you ever had ‘ruthless’ moments yourself in pursuing roles or opportunities?

Lindsey Corey: It’s so funny to have people in my life ask how cutthroat or competitive my business is, because that has not been my experience. I put the work in, I put myself out there, and I either get the job or don’t. I think it’s a mindset. I’m in competition with myself. I want to be better than I was yesterday. I don’t let other actors into that equation, because that has nothing to do with me.

Denny Patterson: What do you believe will be the most challenging part of Ruthless! for you?

Lindsey Corey: The challenges I’m looking forward to in this show are the fast-paced rhythm of the dialogue and the changing of vocal styles. As Judy transforms, so does the way she speaks and also the way she sings her songs. There will be an ample vocal warm-up for this one.

Denny Patterson: Island City Stage has such a strong reputation in South Florida theatre. Have you worked with this company before?

Lindsey Corey: I’ve never worked at Island City Stage before, but I’m so excited it finally worked out! However, I did work with Andy Rogow this past summer. He directed Alex Jorth (the choreographer for Ruthless!) and I, in a two-person musical. It was a wonderful experience working with Andy, so I’m looking forward to working with him again on this project. He’s just lovely.

Denny Patterson: What are you personally hoping to gain from this experience?

Lindsey Corey: In every production I do, I hope to stretch a little further, dig a little deeper, and engage with audiences. You never know who is out there watching the show. We may impact a life. We may open a mind to something new and different.

Denny Patterson: And what do you ultimately hope audiences take away from Ruthless!?

Lindsey Corey: I hope people walk away from our show with a smile on their face, feeling a little more joy than when they walked in. It’s an escape. Take the ride!

Denny Patterson: Why do you think audiences are still drawn to this cult favorite, decades after it first premiered Off-Broadway?

Lindsey Corey: I think some things stand the test of time because they were written perfectly in the first place. This show is just that. It pokes fun at some of the inside jokes in the world of theater and a few famous films, yet it’s still accessible and funny to those who may not track every reference. Funny is funny. It doesn’t have an expiration date.