The Hayes Theatre in association with Luckiest Productions & Neil Gooding Productions present an up-close and personal production of the classic musical Sweet Charity for a limited season from 7 February.
If you believe in something hard enough, then eventually it has to come true, right? Charity Hope Valentine is the eternal optimist – a worldview that puts her distinctly at odds with her co-workers in a seedy, run-down dance hall. Dancing with man after man to pay her rent, she dreams of finally being whisked out of there and rescued by love. But can Charity wish her way into making love come true?
“We’re thrilled that Sweet Charity will showcase the talents of some of the most exciting and respected performers in Australian musical theatre,” says Richard Carroll from Luckiest Productions.
“This vital new Sydney venue will give our creative team an opportunity to reimagine and revitalise this classic music theatre piece.”
Debuting on Broadway in 1966, Sweet Charity was a collaboration between some of Broadway’s most spectacular talents. Cy Coleman’s music effortlessly captures the rhythms and sounds, and Dorothy Fields lyrics the vernacular and fascination of the underground scene, in iconic musical numbers such as Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, and There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This.
Neil Simon’s razor-sharp script lifts the veil on the exquisite agony of living on the under-side of life. The legendary Bob Fosse directed and choreographed the original production, and was largely responsible for the musical’s distinctive and lasting identity.
“I’m motivated by the iconic score of Sweet Charity contrasted against the milieu it depicts: marginalised women wanting better lives. Where better to explore this world than a jewel box theatre on the fringes of Kings Cross?” said director, Dean Bryant
Created by the legendary Broadway performer Gwen Verdon, the role of Charity has been played by many and varied actress including Shirley MacLaine in the 1969 film. Nancye Hayes – after whom the Hayes Theatre Co is named – played Charity in the original 1967 Australian production. Since then, Kelly Abbey and Sharon Millerchip have played Charity in subsequent Australian productions in 1998 and 2007.
Director: Dean Bryant Cast: Verity Hunt-Ballard, Martin Crewes, Debora Krizak, Lisa Sontag, Kuki Tupoki, Kirby Burgess, Rowena Vilar, Stephanie Grigg, Xander Ellis, Jacob Ambrose, Seann Matthew Moore, Francesca O’Donnell Musical Director: Andrew Worboys Choreographer: Andrew Hallsworth Costume & Wig Designer: Tim Chappel Set Designer: Owen Phillips Lighting Designer: Ross Graham
Sweet Charity
Hayes Theatre – 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Season: 7 February – 9 March 2014
Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au
For more information, visit: www.hayestheatre.com.au for details.