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Sweet Charity
Book by Neil Simon
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Originally Conceived, Staged & Choreographed by Bob Fosse
Directed by Jim Corti
Music Direction by Tom Sivak
Choreographed by Mitzi Hamilton
At Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Call 630-530-0111, tickets $28 - $31 - $33, diner packages from $42.75
Wednesdays at 1:30 pm
Thursdays at 1:30 & 8 pm
Fridays at 8:30 pm
Saturdays at 5 & 8:30 pm
Sundays at 2 & 6 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 30 minutes with intermission
Through May 18, 2008
A star is born in thrilling Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity, a 1966 Tony Award winning musical conceived, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, was a star vehicle for Gwen Verdon and the 1969 film helped Shirley MacLaine’s career. In order for Sweet Charity to work, we must empathize and love Charity Hope Valentine, the gullible dance hall hostess.
In the current Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre’s production of Sweet Charity—Summer Smart was marvelous as Charity. Smart is a true ‘triple threat’ performer. Summer Smart is lovely, charming and genuine. She can act (her comic moments were spot-on); her singing shows a fine voice. But her dancing was spectacular. She anchors this first-class production with a winning and heartwarming performance. A star is born on the stages of Drury Lance Oakbrook Theatre in the person of Summer Smart.
Sweet Charity is a tender, poignant, often humorous (book by Neil Simon) adventures of Charity—a not-too bright dance hall hostess who’s gullible and guileless when it comes to men. She simply tries too hard to find ‘Mr. Right.’ She only sees the ‘good’ in worthless guys. Her friends at the Fandango Ballroom, Helene (Ericka Mac) and Nickie (Venessa Panerosa) try to wise her up but to no avail. Charity always ends up giving her heart and dreams to some louse. We see her bumbling through one insincere guy after another until she meets Oscar (Nicholas Foster—who is terrific as all three men in Charity’s life).
Neil Simon’s book contains much of his wit and biting humor and Dorothy Fields’ lyrics are honest and in character for new Yorkers. But Sweet Charity’s appeal rests with Cy Coleman’s bouncy, jazzy and very 60’s score written to offer Bob Fosse a vehicle to create some of the finest and most sophisticated choreography of a Broadway musical every seen on stage.
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The “Fosse style” emerged from this show. From the sensual “Big Spender,” we see the distinct hand and arm movements with the crunched body movement that became Fosse trademarks. Choreographer Mitzi Hamilton (who danced with Fosse) has channeled Fosse for Drury Lane’s production. She has her dancers faithfully recreating Fosse’s style. The “Rich Man’s Frug” is a multi-part ambitiously stunning dance piece that must be seen to be fully appreciated. Fosse would be proud of the exquisite flawless movement by the dancers in this intricate, smooth and smart dance number. With each tempo change, the movements get more complicated and spectacular. It surly is one of the finest pieces of choreography seen on a Chicago stage.
During one of her adventures, Summer Smart’s Charity is so happy to be with a French film star that she burst out in song and dance in “If My Friends Could See Me Now.” Smart nails the movements, the humor and the joy Charity feels. The girls at the Fandango Club, Helene, Nickie and Charity sing and dance their desire the “There’s Gotta Be Something Better’ than working as lap dancers in a souring Latin dance tempo anthem. Erick Mac, Venessa Panerosa and Summer Smart were dazzling in this spirited number. We see Nicholas Foster emerge as a fine leading man as he deftly plays a louse, a fickle French film star and a neurotic nerd. Foster’s comic chops make the hilarious stuck-in-the-elevator scene with Summer Smart. The deliver laughs in “I’m the Bravest Individual.”
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Act two opens with an ode to the 60’s hippie movement with “The Rhythm of Life” a satirical knock with rock music deftly led by Darren Matthais as Daddy Brubeck. “I’m a Brass Band” is another Fosse gem with Charity and the boys mimicking a marching band. The witty “I Love to Cry at Weddings” gives Oscar reasons to question his love for Charity. We see Charity’s strength and determination in the final scenes. We hope for her.
Drury Lane’s production values are amazing. Brian Sidney Bembridge’s colorful 60’s era set with fine lighting by Jesse Klug together with sensual costume design by Tatjana Radisic gave this show a dazzling look. The dance ensemble was outstanding giving Fosse’s demanding choreography respectfully flawless movements. The dance alone makes the show worth seeing. Summer Smart is wonderful as Charity. This Sweet Charity is a “must see” event.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2008
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