Sweet Charity
by Neil Simon, Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields
Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano
Performed by BA Musical Theatre 2024
Director: Alexandra Spencer-Jones
19 June 2024
New Athenaeum Theatre
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Charity Hope Valentine (Yna Tresvalles) is a dance hall hostess in 1960's New York. Unlucky in love, but ever hopeful, kind-hearted Charity bounces from one unsuccessful relationship to another. When we first meet her in Sweet Charity, Valentine is robbed by her married boyfriend and pushed into the Central Park lake. Picking herself up and drying herself off, Charity heads to her workplace, The Fandango Ballroom, where she updates her fellow dancers on her latest drama.
Sweet Charity is the most Fosse of Bob Fosse musicals, and it's not long before his signature dance style is on display, introducing us to the Fandango and it's Taxi dancers via Shirley Bassey hit Big Spender. The stunning set design by Challum Brown is complimented by bold lighting and Fosse / Verdon's innovative moves. In the hands of these talented performers and creatives every beat could be a striking photo still. Rich Man's Frug is a highlight of the show with the iconic, energetic and much-copied arm movements and poses incorporated into stunning, intricate new routines from choreographer Sarah Wilkie.
In this group's previous production Urinetown, I was awed by their musicianship; every one of them playing an instrument for the entire show as well as acting and singing. Sweet Charity allows them to showcase more of their dance abilities; there's even a full on tap number to contend with! Musical Theatre demands a very broad skillset and here this year group prove yet again that they are more than up for the challenge.
When Charity meets famous movie idol Vittoria Vidal (Kyle Doney) and ends up back at his apartment, we are reminded that this cast can also sing - brilliantly. Doney's voice is gorgeous on "Too Many Tomorrows" while Tresvalles brings the house down with a vibrant rendition of "If My Friends Could See Me Now." Nickie (Eden Barrie) and Helene (Catriona Tashjian) shine with strong performances during "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This" - a song I was unfamiliar with before seeing this production, but which really stood out in terms of moving the plot forward and giving us an insight into the dancers mindsets. It's at this point I started to wonder why this musical isn't constantly playing in London's West End or on Broadway; It's packed full of hits, laughs and entertainment.
Towards the end of Act I, Charity meets Oscar Lindquist (George Shuter) when they both sign up to take a class at the YMCA and find themselves trapped in a faulty lift. There's a sparkle in Charity's eye when she learns that Oscar is unmarried, and so we head into Act II, just like Charity, full of anticipation and hope for a romantic outcome.
Act II of Sweet Charity opens with another chart hit "The Rhythm of Life" and is the sole nod to the 1960's hippie movement in the show. From then on we follow the ups and downs of Charity and Oscar's relationship, with the highlight of Act II being Tresvalles performance of "I'm A Brass Band." For the duration of the show Tresvalles proves herself to be a captivating and confident leading lady. She's adorable and funny, and her undeniable connection with the audience and other cast members is a joy to behold. This iconic character and indeed the entire show is in very safe hands.
Sweet Charity as a stage musical doesn't have a huge amount of dramatic impact and it does feel a bit dated in parts. It also runs a little long for my personal taste. Although I'm a huge fan of the Fosse weirdness and 'jazz hands' I do understand that will not appeal to everyone. However, as usual, the RCS creative teams have taken a less-popular, infrequently performed show and made it better. Here, colourful signposts surround the stage and are playfully lit to correspond to relevant scenes adding humour and interest. The sets glide silently back and forth and look gorgeous, and the performing company are wonderful. Underpinning it all: world-class musical accompaniment from the superb orchestra led by Sarah de Tute. It's another triumph from RCS.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
📅 Sweet Charity was staged at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland's New Athenaeum Theatre from 18 - 21 June 2024.
📸 Production photos: © Hope Holmes/Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Sweet Charity review, RCS, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, BA Musical Theatre 2024, Fosse.
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🎟️ Disclosure: I was invited to review this show and received a complimentary ticket in exchange. Neither the venue nor show has a say in what I write. I'm completely independent and invites have no impact on my analysis or star ratings.
