THE talent of American-born Ellie Greenwich - one of the major influences of '60s rock music penning hit songs such as And Then He Kissed Me and Da Doo Ron Ron will be portrayed next month at Cardinia Cultural Centre in the hit Broadway musical adaptation, Leader of the Pack.

Greenwich, born in Brooklyn, has more than 25 gold and platinum records, music sales in the tens of millionsand more than 33 BMI Awards.

In college she met Jeff Barry, and they married and became co-writers.

Greenwich and Barry formed The Raindrops and made it into the top10 with What A Guy and The Kind Of Boy You Can't Forget.

They then joined forces with legendary producer Phil Spector and a string of legendary hits were created, including: Be My Baby , Do Wah Diddy and the epic Leader Of The Pack co-written with Shadow Morton.

During her career, Greenwich has worked with notable artists such as Dusty Springfield, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and has co-written songs with Neil Diamond.

In 1984, Leader Of The Pack, a show about her life and music, opened in New York, winning high praise and industry awards.

Cardinia Performing Arts Company director Lee Garaghty says she is "absolutely thrilled" to tell Greenwich's story.

"We have a hugely talented group of performers and they are all so excited to be park of this show.

"This is a show that is also right up my alley - I absolutely love the '60s songs and era."

Lee says playing the lead characters are some of Casey's and Greater Dandenong's biggest young stars who have all been involved in previous productions and other fields of entertainment.

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"The y are all fabulous in their roles and all very excited about being part The Leader Of The Pack," Lee

says.

Leader of the Pack is on at

8pm, February 21, for a gala night , 2pm February 22, 8pm February 27, 8pm February 28, 2pm March 1, 7pm March 5; 8pm March 6, and 5pm March 7. Tickets: Gala night - adults $30, children 15 and under $22; all other sessions are $22. Bookings: 0407090354 or 95871750.