Presented by Prospero Arts and QPAC, Sweet Charity brings the swinging sixties back to groovy life. Based on the book by Neil Simon, the musical premiered on Broadway in 1966. The film starred Shirley MacLaine as the leading lady.
With music by Cy Coleman and Lyrics by Dorothy Fields, the musical is packed with well known songs. Big Spender and The Rhythm of Life are the most famous.
In two lively acts, we are told the sad tale of Charity Hope Valentine who wants to be much more than a dance hall hostess. Clearly a doomed romantic, we follow her through three failed encounters with men.
Almost immediately, Charity (Loren Hunter) is robbed of her handbag and pushed into the lake. She remains optimistically sure her boyfriend meant rescue not robbery.
Her next encounter is with the ageing but still smooth Latino, Vittorio Vidal (Simon Burke AO) Many will remember Simon from Play School. I last saw him in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Vidal is the epitome of bourgeois sleeze but Charity thinks she’s onto someone worthy.
Her final stage encounter is with Oscar (well played by Jake Speer). Despite his neuroses, he seems the ideal ending, but again, it is not to be.
Not having previously seen the film or musical, I wrongly thought that Charity was finally heading for happiness. Hopefully ever after was the conclusion as she remained unmarried and unemployed.
Loren Hunter was superb as Charity, capturing and portraying both the optimism and vulnerability of the titular character. It was a demanding soloist role with endless dialogue, songs and dance. Loren remained smiling and energised throughout. She was dynamite in the dynamic dance numbers.
Cameron Mitchell, assisted by Lisa Callingham, directed and choreographed the production. Michael Tyack was Musical Director and Costumes and set were by Josh McIntosh.
The minimalist props and painted backdrop aptly set the New York scene. The supporting cast sparkled and shimmered in what was presented as a dreary, draining workplace.
I thought that ‘dance hostess’ in New York City sounded like a dream job but the girls were miserable and wanted out. Great costume choices by Josh McIntosh. Miniature dresses were paired with colourful tights and huge hair. In The Rhythm of Life, gear really got groovy.
The choreography was funky and fun but I’m glad those dance styles are gone from our night clubs. Sweet Charity is a sixties classic that has left its mark and its music.
Although it only runs for four days, this minimalist production is filled with skilled professionals. I’m hoping it’s a pilot for something full scale featuring the current cast.
Sweet Charity
Concert Hall – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performance: Thursday 11 December 2025
Season: 11 – 14 December 2025
Bookings: www.qpac.com.au
For more information, visit: www.prosperoarts.com.au for details.
Images: Sweet Charity – photos by B’rit Mobbs
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan