Sweet Charity

With music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon ’Sweet Charity’ is full of great show stopping musical numbers familiar to most people although they may not always know which show they came from. The story is about Charity Hope Valentine, a young dance hostess who is looking for true love but who invariably picks the wrong man and never finds it.

Rarely off the stage it is a huge role and it was hard to believe that this was Emma Watson’s first principal part. She gave an utterly engaging performance singing, dancing and acting brilliantly, drawing the audience in to share her vulnerability, optimism and exuberance.This very talented young lady had a great rapport with everyone she was involved with on stage appearing totally at ease with all aspects of the character.

Charity thinks she has struck it lucky when she meets the actor Vitttorio Vidal and Cameron Kirby gave a fine performance and sang well as the suave, philandering Vittorio who brings Charity to his room having been given the cold shoulder by his ardent lover Ursula. ‘If They Could See Me Now’ as Charity is elated by what she imagines might be was a real ‘tour de force’. The elegant Ursula, Amanda Jensen, turns up knowing what she wants and made it quite clear she is not someone to be messed with! Charity is hidden away and watching as Ursula makes advances to Vittorio and this was a well played scene with Charity’s actions, reactions and facial expressions quite hilarious.

Charity eventually feels she has found real love with Oscar, a tax accountant. Fraser Shand was superb as the nervous, insecure, shy Oscar. He had a real understanding of the part and when stuck in the lift with Charity, the speed of delivery from both actors was excellent portraying Oscar’s panic and Charity’s apparent calmness as she tries to assure Oscar that everything will be fine. I must say I did enjoy the charismatic ‘Sweet Charity’ number. The final scene when Charity is let down by Oscar because, despite knowing what she does for a living and initially wanting to marry her but unable to blot out pictures of Charity with other men, was extremenly moving and emotional.

Chairty’s two best friends at the Fandango Ballroom Nickie and Helene were confidently played by Laura McAnna and Susanne Horsburgh. The pair worked very well together and showed great support for Charity in the most expressive duet ‘Baby Dream Your Dream’. The other hostesses in the club were excellent too with each girl portraying an individual character with seductive movements and animated faces as they leaned out to the audience in ‘Big Spender’ one of the many show stoppers.

It was evident that a tremendous amount of work had gone in to rehearsing this show with excellent results.’Rhythm Of Life’ led by Jack Bruce as Daddy Brubeck was powerful and exciting with the hippie culture well depicted by the flamboyant, flower power costumes. The choreography in this and indeed throughout was fantastic.

‘Rich Man’s Frug’ was outstanding in true Fosse style with every cast member paying great attention to detail and nuance resulting in amazing precision. This too was a visually stunning scene with glitzy, eye catching costumes,

‘I Love to Cry at Weddings’ again showed the versatility of the company with Andrew Todman, Herman, bringing real humour to the number.

I could comment on every single musical number but it’s hard to find enough superlatives. Suffice to say that this was a fabulous production with excellent direction, superb choreography and gutsy singing and musicality. The well controlled orchestra was in great form and supported the singers, while effective lighting enhanced the whole production.

This was a show full of life, energy and excellent characterisations and performances well deserving of it’s 5 star review and the tremendous reception from the audience.

A most professional production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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