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Whats On Production Sweet Charity (2003)
9th January


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Sweet Charity (2003)

Click to see a larger picture of Sweet Charity Directed By
Wally Ross Gower

Producer
David Smee
Production Type
Young Nomads Production

Production Location
Main Theatre

Production Photographs

Genre: Musical Turnout: 66%

User Rating: (4/5 with 9 votes)

Flier Summary:

Adapted from Nights of Cabiria, a film by Federico Fellini, Sweet Charity tells the story of an optimistic young woman, Charity, who not only wears her heart on her sleeve, she's had it tattooed to her arm! As the play begins, Charity finds herself dumped by the married man on whom she had pinned all her hopes and dreams, and she vows never again to be taken advantage of by a man. But Charity is too trusting and soon finds herself involved with an Italian movie star. The actor, however, is no better than the other men Charity has dated, and once again she finds herself jilted and alone. The next night, however, as fate would have it, she finds herself trapped in an elevator with a claustrophobic tax accountant who soon sweeps Charity off her feet. Soon it becomes clear that this man is different-that he actually wants to marry her-but will he still feel the same way when he finds out that Charity works at the Fan-Dango as a dance hall hostess?

Cy Coleman has captured the rhythms and sounds, and Dorothy Fields the vernacular and fun of 60s New York. It's an all-singing all-dancing show, and there are many great show-stopping numbers, such as Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, I'm A Brass Band and Rhythm Of Life.



Production Dates & Prices:
(Please note Booking Information)

 Date
Time
Members Price
Non-Members
Price
 
 Tuesday 26th August 2003
8:00pm
£6.50
£6.75
 Wednesday 27th August 2003
8:00pm
£6.50
£6.75
 Thursday 28th August 2003
8:00pm
£7.00
£7.25
 Friday 29th August 2003
8:00pm
£7.00
£7.25
 Saturday 30th August 2003
8:00pm
£7.00
£7.25


Cast: (in programme order)
Kate Raye ... Charity Hope Valentine
Heather Ganderton ... Helene
Amy Catten ... Nickie
Catherine (ces) Scott ... Carmen
Jaime Davis ... Rosie
Bronwyn Elliott ... Suzanne
Hannah Shand ... Frenchy
Helen Longes ... Betsy
Laurence Armitage ... Herman
Joanne Hyde ... Ursula March
Martin Tidy ... Vittorio Vidal
Nick Williams ... Oscar Lindquist
Zoe Triantafillou ... Daddy Brubeck
Caroline Sergeant ... Elaine
Caroline Sergeant ... Info Desk Girl
Caroline Sergeant ... Panhandler
Caroline Sergeant ... Daddy's Assistant
Caroline Sergeant ... Good Fairy
Gavin Bell ... Charlie
Gavin Bell ... Marvin
Gavin Bell ... Manfred
Gavin Bell ... Barney
Gavin Bell ... Daddy's Assistant 2
Jaime Davis ... Second Cop
Jaime Davis ... 2nd Info Woman
Laurence Armitage ... First Cop
Richie Halsey-Watson ... Young Man
Richie Halsey-Watson ... Panhandler
Richie Halsey-Watson ... Elevator Man

Crew: (in programme order)
Wally Ross Gower ... Director
Lindsay Macaulay ... Music Director
Tom Thomas ... Set Construction
Caroline Sergeant ... Set Design
Caroline Sergeant ... Set Painting
David Smee ... Producer
Anne Thomas ... Assistant Producer
Heather Ganderton ... Assistant Producer
Claire Duffy ... Choreographer
David Smee ... Stage Crew
Simon Hallett ... Stage Crew
Joe Alder ... Stage Crew
David Smee ... Stage Crew
Peter Dyson ... Stage Crew
Stuart Bangs ... Stage Crew
Anne Thomas ... Stage Crew
David Smee ... Set Construction
Matthew Jenner ... Set Construction
Peter Dyson ... Set Construction
Stuart Bangs ... Set Construction
Bronwyn Elliott ... Set Painting
Anne Thomas ... Set Painting
Heather Ganderton ... Set Painting
Catherine (ces) Scott ... Set Painting
Heather Ganderton ... Wardrobe
Jessica Anderson ... Wardrobe
Hilary Chittenden ... Wardrobe
Becky Johnston ... Properties
David Armitage ... Follow Spot Operator
Stuart Bangs ... Sound Design
Robin Williams ... Sound Operator
Erika Hearle ... Musician
Lesley Potts ... Musician
Anne Downley ... Musician
Jamie Brook ... Musician
David Hynes ... Musician
Lawrence Tatnell ... Musician
Eric Hearle ... Musician
Al Forbes ... Musician
Jenny Abbott ... Musician
Tom Early ... Musician



Official Review:
the review
Sweet Charity is a much loved musical and a favourite amongst amateur companies but I have never seen it set in modern times. Most relish the chance to don the thick eyeliner, wear a Mary Quant outfit and fabulous wig. Although the main storyline of a young girl looking for love fits into any era some of the scenes were so dated that it didn't quite work. For example is it likely in today's age that two people could get stuck in a lift without a mobile phone to call for help? Nor, is it likely that a modern day film star would slip on a smoking jacket. So although this was a brave decision I feel it needed just a little more thought to make it totally successful.

Musically the show had some real strengths: the ensemble singing, especially 'Rhythm of Life', had great quality and was supported by an excellent band led by Lindsay Macaulay. However I felt very sorry for one or two soloists who were clearly uncomfortable with their numbers, perhaps something that could have been overcome by transposing their songs. Zoe Triantifillou made a wonderful Daddy Brubeck and Laurence Armitage gave us a memorable rendition of '1 Love To Cry At Weddings'. The dancing although static and on one level had some interesting choreography and was well executed and performed, on the whole, with panache.

The characterisations. from the small cameo roles of various street people through to the lead roles were excellent. Kate Raye sparkled as Charity and in particular showed a flair for excellent comic timing. Nick Williams gave a confident and quirky performance of Oscar. Heather Ganderton and Amy Catten played their hard edged but soft centred characters well. Martin Tidy was excellent as the smooth talking Vittorio Vidal.

The staging of this show was another strength. Not only was it inventive but 'the marvellous dancing scenery' was also well managed by a very effective stage team. The lighting complemented the set well and the final silhouette of Charity against the backdrop was a perfect way to end the show.

This show had many great aspects which could have been even better with more pace and confidence, I can't help feeling that if, this show had had a couple more weeks rehearsal it would have been spectacular.


Related News:
Sep 2003 Audio Description
Aug 2003 Jumble Sale
Aug 2003 the Young Nomads Sweet Charity
Aug 2003 Whoopee! Jumble Sale & Car Wash!
Jul 2003 Sweet Charity
Jun 2003 Calling Young Nomads!
Jun 2003 Sweet Charity Summary
Apr 2003 Sweet Charity Auditions


Recommendations:
Sweet Charity [1969]
Sweet Charity: 1967 London Cast


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