Preview of 'Sweet Charity' at Musicals at Richter

Musicals at Richter’s 29th Season under the Stars Continues with

Sweet Charity

July 26-August 10

With music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and a book by Neil Simon, “Sweet Charity” was originally directed and choreographed for Broadway by Bob Fosse, starring his wife and muse Gwen Verdon as Charity, and John McMartin as her stalwart love interest Oscar Lindquist.  Based on Federico Fellini's screenplay “ Nights of Cabiria,” the musical version follows Charity Hope Valentine, a dancer-for-hire at a 1960s Times Square dance hall, who, despite falling in love with the wrong men, remains incurably optimistic. When she gets stuck in an elevator with shy and claustrophobic accountant Oscar, Charity is smitten once again – will he be the one or will her line of work be a deal breaker? With scintillating Fosse-inspired choreography, familiar songs and a cast of crazy characters, “Sweet Charity” is a wildly entertaining look at one young woman’s journey through life and love in the sixties.

“Sweet Charity” premiered on Broadway in 1966, where it ran for 608 performances and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, eventually winning for Fosse’s innovative choreography. It also ran in the West End and has had numerous revivals and international productions.  The 1986 revival, starring Debbie Allen as Charity and featuring Bebe Neuwirth as Nickie and Michael Rupert as Oscar, won four Tony Awards, including Best Revival.

Shirley MacLaine starred in the 1969 film adaptation alongside John McMartin, who recreated his role as Oscar. Bob Fosse directed and choreographed.

Co-directed and staged by MAR Artistic Director Donald Birely of New York City and Jeri Kansas of Danbury, who also choreographed,  “Sweet Charity” features a cast of more than 20 local performers, with a number of newcomers and MAR veterans.  

Lauren Nicole Sherwood (Norwalk) stars as Charity, with Thomas J. Byrne (Wappingers Falls, New York) as Oscar.  Charity is joined in the Fandango Ballroom by Janina Reiner (New York) as Nickie, Stephanie Sands (Brewster, NY) as Helene and Alyssa Sarnoff (New York, NY) as Carmen. Chuck Stango (Middlebury) plays Herman, the owner of the Fandango, and Cat Heidel (Southbury) portrays Betsy, another longtime dance hall employee. 

Robert Bria (Redding) appears as Charlie, one of Charity’s ex-beaus; Brendan Fox (Bethel) is Italian film star Vittorio Vidal and Amber Mason (Newtown) portrays his temperamental girlfriend Ursula.  Stacey Snyder (Brookfield) is featured as Mama Brubeck, head of free-wheeling Rhythm of Life Church.

Rounding out the ensemble in a variety of roles are Samantha Morrill (Danbury); Katie Franqueira,  Sarah Keough, Deanna Lasco and Rachel Yee (New Fairfield); Aran Abilock-Clemmons (Wilton); Jenna Garecht (Brewster, NY) Lindsay Miller (Wappingers Falls, NY); Emma Burke-Covitz and Denise Milmerstadt (Carmel, NY).

The production team also features Richard F. Grasso (Brewster, NY) as musical director and Michael Biancardi (Newtown) as production stage manager.

Musicals at Richter’s 2013 main stage musical season continues with the youth theater workshop production of “Grease” (School Edition) August 15-17.

Main stage performances are primarily Friday through Sunday evenings at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for Sweet Charity are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students and children, with reduced rates available on Sunday, July 28 and Thursday, August 8.   

Ticket reservations may be made by phone and through the Musicals at Richter website.  Grounds open at 7:15 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:30 p.m. Group rates are available with advance reservation; chair rentals and soft drink/snack concessions are available on-site.