My FIRST theatrical review
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Huntington showcase quirky offbeat musical
Theater Review
By Art Thomas
One theme readers of this column are aware of is a push to see shows that you might not be familiar with. The current production at Huntington Playhouse gives that opportunity.
“Sweet Charity” has a book by Neil Simon, and music by Cy Coleman, who writes memorable tunes. Both are “mainstream” artists, yet their musical collaboration “Sweet Charity” has not endured as well as their other works, created separately. It is a shame, because “Sweet Charity” can stand on its own.
Huntington Director Tom Meyrose talks in his directors notes about the references that some younger audience members may not “get” and the difficulty of building multisets because the show has at least 10 locations. Thos are issues, but what makes “Sweet Charity” work is the characters, and Huntington cast fill their shoes quite well.
Beautiful Maggie Gibbons is Charity, a dance-hall girl with a heart of gold. In her first scene she gives cash to every charity that comes her way, despite being pushed into the pond by a boyfriend who took her money.
The Fandango Ballroom, where much of the show is set, is thinly disguised whorehouse where the barrier between dancing and more is slim.
Gibbons dances up a storm with Nicci Cassara’s choreography and has her best dramatic moments in the show’s later scenes with Justin Williams who plays Oscar, the shy guy who just might become her “long-lasting” boyfriend. Williams is a bit more superficial in the Oscar role.
“Sweet Charity” was inspired by a Federico Fellini screenplay, but the influence of master jokester Neil Simon and tunesman Cy Coleman effectively temper what could be a downer of a show. They make it as fluffy and palatable as pancakes with syrup.
In this production, Joe Svhlik is the delightful pompous movie star Vitorrio Vidal, with whom Charity has a fling. Her ballroom buddies, Helene and Nicki, as played by Kathleen Madden – whose goofy expressions make you wonder if she is all there – and Amy Annico. Both exude energy and talent, especially in their trio numbers.
Musically, “Sweet Charity” gave us the memorable “Big Spender” in which the bored, aged, and desperate dance hall girls exhort potential customers.
An audience pleasure in this production is “The Rhythm Of Life”, where tie-dyed hippies link themselves with the energy of the universe – and the mellowing qualities of marijuana. Clearly a lot of the audience was around in the 60’s. Give “Sweet Charity” a chance. It runs through August 6 at Huntington Playhouse is Bay’s Huntington Metroparks Reservation.
Huntington showcase quirky offbeat musical
Theater Review
By Art Thomas
One theme readers of this column are aware of is a push to see shows that you might not be familiar with. The current production at Huntington Playhouse gives that opportunity.
“Sweet Charity” has a book by Neil Simon, and music by Cy Coleman, who writes memorable tunes. Both are “mainstream” artists, yet their musical collaboration “Sweet Charity” has not endured as well as their other works, created separately. It is a shame, because “Sweet Charity” can stand on its own.
Huntington Director Tom Meyrose talks in his directors notes about the references that some younger audience members may not “get” and the difficulty of building multisets because the show has at least 10 locations. Thos are issues, but what makes “Sweet Charity” work is the characters, and Huntington cast fill their shoes quite well.
Beautiful Maggie Gibbons is Charity, a dance-hall girl with a heart of gold. In her first scene she gives cash to every charity that comes her way, despite being pushed into the pond by a boyfriend who took her money.
The Fandango Ballroom, where much of the show is set, is thinly disguised whorehouse where the barrier between dancing and more is slim.
Gibbons dances up a storm with Nicci Cassara’s choreography and has her best dramatic moments in the show’s later scenes with Justin Williams who plays Oscar, the shy guy who just might become her “long-lasting” boyfriend. Williams is a bit more superficial in the Oscar role.
“Sweet Charity” was inspired by a Federico Fellini screenplay, but the influence of master jokester Neil Simon and tunesman Cy Coleman effectively temper what could be a downer of a show. They make it as fluffy and palatable as pancakes with syrup.
In this production, Joe Svhlik is the delightful pompous movie star Vitorrio Vidal, with whom Charity has a fling. Her ballroom buddies, Helene and Nicki, as played by Kathleen Madden – whose goofy expressions make you wonder if she is all there – and Amy Annico. Both exude energy and talent, especially in their trio numbers.
Musically, “Sweet Charity” gave us the memorable “Big Spender” in which the bored, aged, and desperate dance hall girls exhort potential customers.
An audience pleasure in this production is “The Rhythm Of Life”, where tie-dyed hippies link themselves with the energy of the universe – and the mellowing qualities of marijuana. Clearly a lot of the audience was around in the 60’s. Give “Sweet Charity” a chance. It runs through August 6 at Huntington Playhouse is Bay’s Huntington Metroparks Reservation.
posted by Nicci with 2 c's @ 11:10 AM
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