When “Sweet Charity” opened on Broadway over sixty
years ago, Walter Kerr of the Herald Tribune said, “there are at least
six things that will interest you in “Sweet Charity”-the dances, the songs,
Gwen Verdon, Gwen Verdon, Gwen Verdon”. “Sweet Charity” with book by Neil Simon
(based on Fellini’s “Nights of Cabiria”), music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by
Dorothy Fields is up and running at the Welk Resort Theatre in Escondido
through November 2nd.
With the exception of those who might never have
seen this show and it does have its moments of inspiration, there’s a reason it
is seldom produced. Simon’s book doesn’t give us much to work with and the story
line is pretty forgettable. It remains locked in the ho hum doldrums of the
60’s with our heroine Charity Hope Valentine (a lively Natalie Nucci) still looking
to be accepted and loved.
Charity is a ‘Taxi Dancer’ (she works at the Fandango
ballroom where any man, especially big spenders (Yup, that’s the number one
tune) can buy the girl of his choice. She is the ever smiling/ down in the
dumps character that gets sideswiped at every turn but picks herself up, dusts
herself off and starts all over again.
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| Natalie Nucci as Charity |
In typical
Neil Simon fashion with gags and rat-tat tat comedy and some slap-stick, some
of the situations she finds herself in drag on too long and go nowhere. In the
opening scene her then boyfriend (she has a heart tattoo of his name, ‘Charlie’
on her arm) steals her handbag and tosses her into a lake near by. Now that
might tell you something of her choice in men. After being dragged out she
bounces back and is on to the next calamity in her life.
She is
saved by the famous actor Vittorio Vidal (Geraldo Flores). She bumped into him outside his well -known
hangout, Club Pompeii (where they do the ‘Rich Man’s Frug’). They head back to
his place where she tries to seduce him every which way over cold cuts. Just
when she thinks she is making headway, his mistress Ursula (Carley Cannata) she
comes back claim him.
Things
get a bit hectic a la Simon, and Vittorio pushes her into his closet to hide so
Ursula doesn’t find him with another woman. Then she gets to watch them make
love. Oh well! She does leave though with an autographed picture of him so she can
show it to her dancing buddies.  |
| Rhythm of Life with Charity and Oscar and the devotee |
Another that was fun to watch was the odd -ball
insert ‘Rhythm Of Life’ scene performed by a talented Nicholas Alexander. He is
‘Big Daddy Brubeck’ of the Rhythm of Life Church located under the Manhattan
Bridge. Here the ‘60’s hippie culture is brought back to life and was damn
rock’n good.
Later on she finds herself stuck in an elevator with her would be next love of her life, Oscar played with innocent doggie eyes by Daniel Newheiser. He’s claustrophobic, neurotic and nearsighted to boot! She calms him down in what has to be turn about for all of her neuroses. (“Bravest Individual”) We thought he would be the love to end all loves with marriage in mind, but then again…no spoilers here.
Nucci
who plays Charity Hope Valentine or Sweet Charity is quite right for the role
elevating this production to the ‘somewhat entertaining after all’ category.
The fable about a cockeyed optimist and her love (less) adventures in New York
does make her a rather likeable, if quirky character even if a bit out of touch
with reality. (“You run your heart like a hotel”)
She works the part to her advantage with her
exceptional dancing and bouncy personality. Nucci, a veteran performer of
“Anything Goes”, “Man of La Mancha” and “Bye, Bye Birdie” to mention a few is
the perfect choice for Charity. In this reviewers mind she can put the youngest
of the ensemble to shame with her energy, effervescence and a plausible belief
in her character, unbelievable as it is.
Her cohorts at the club and dancing include Nikie
and Helene (Adrian Mustan and Justin High) along with the other dancers at the
Fandango, lend a good bit of dance sophistication to the show. Carmen, Suzanne
and Elaine (Danelle Green, Renee Rand, Andrea Williams) and a most competent
ensemble dressed in Janet Pitcher’s sparkly and shimmery gowns adds to the
overall look.
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| Nucci, Justin High and Adrain Mustain |
The Fandango Club as is the rest of the scenic
design by Brian Redfern is a metal two- tiered looker, Vittorio’s minimal
bedroom setting (closet included) and a booth at a restaurant where she and
Oliver meet. It is all illuminated with some fancy colored foiled streamers as
doors that twinkle and flitter from the multi colored bling lighting, fitting a
club of this sort of club. Credit Jennifer Edwards eye catching colors.
On the bright side dancers and dance numbers dazzle
and sizzle! They are a product of choreographer Bob Fosse (Gwen Verdon’s
husband). His choreography was nominated for a Tony that year. Ray Limon
directs as well as showing his flair and attention to detail to Fosse’s
choreography. That is always exciting to watch from a laywomen’s mouth opening prospective.
Great dancing with great talent performers never gets old. (Nikie: “We don’t
dance, we defend ourselves against the music”)
Some tunes are memorable and have a bit of nostalgic
recall of the sixties, if you are old enough to remember them. “Big Spender”
and “If My Friends Could See Me Now” still hit the charts on Sirius(((XM)))
Broadway show tunes every now and then. For now though, Justin Gray and his musicians do a fine job at the Welk.
If you
are feeling the need to complete your dance card with Tony nominated shows of
the past this one will fit the bill. It’s Sweet on Charity.
See you at the theatre.
Dates: Through Nov. 20th
Organization: Welk Resort Theatre
Phone: 888-802-show
Production Type: Musical
Where: 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive,
Escondido, CA 92026
Ticket Prices: $49.00
Web: welkresorts.com
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