Sweet Charity Does Not Disappoint

Marriott Theatre Presents

SWEET CHARITY

Book by Neil Simon

Music by Cy Coleman

Lyrics by Dorothy Fields

Directed and Choreographed by Alex Sanchez

September 5 – October 28, 2018

 

Kenny Ingram as Daddy Johann Sebastian Brubeck

Going out to the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is a long commute for us, however each time we’ve made this trip, we’ve been blessed to see some great theatrical plays, and “Sweet Charity” is another one that ranks as worth traveling to see.

 

“Sweet Charity” is a musical written by the great American playwright, screenwriter, and author Neil Simon. Simon’s list of impressive Broadway plays reads like a who’s who with amazing plays like “Barefoot in the Park,” and his Tony Award play “The Odd Couple.” His work quickly became a must-see event, when in 1966 he had four shows playing at Broadway theatres running simultaneously: “The Star-Spangled Girl,” “The Odd Couple,” “Barefoot in the Park” and “Sweet Charity;” which is the play where we find ourselves taking a fifty-mile trip to witness.

 

“Sweet Charity,” which is the story that is based on the screenplay for the Italian film called Nights of Cabiria, where a prostitute searches for love, however, the American version of this play is centered on a dancer for hire. Directed and Choreographed by Alex Sanchez, “Sweet Charity” focuses on Charity’s courage, optimism and epiphanies throughout her life to show her positive outlook regarding life.

 

The story is of a young intuitive, often plagued by simple occurrences. Her name is Charity Hope Valentine, played by Anne Horak. Horak is very believable as Charity, the young girl looking for love who goes through the ups and seemingly more downs in life. Your heart will root for her and will cry when life throws her a few curve balls.

 

Charity, the sweet love-starved and hopeless romantic dance hall hostess, is determined to change her life after being used by a former boyfriend. Joined by a cast of characters at the Fandango Ballroom, Horak as Charity was delightful and entertaining. Her ever optimistic and somewhat dingy personality played well as Charity, and even her singing and dancing were reasonably pleasing although a little awkward at times. Her performance brought the high energy, humor and the right amount of heartbreaking sadness to make you eager to see if Charity would ever find love on a two-way street.

 

Director Sanchez also does an excellent job with the casting of this play. The great dancers and performers made you feel like you were back in the ’60s reliving the hay days of Sweet Charity. It also doesn’t hurt when you bring in Kenny Ingram, known for his role in “The Lion King,” to play the role of the enigmatic leader of the Rhythm of Life Church, Big Daddy Brubeck. Ingram’s magnetic personality and soulful voice brings life to this portion of the play and makes you want to see and hear more from him. You can only hope Ingram stays in Chicago and graces us with his theatrical skills.

 

We truly enjoyed the dance performances and the harmony of the classic songs like “Big Spender” and “There’s Got To Be Something Better,” with NaTonia Monet (Helene) and Dani Spiler (Nickie), which were spot-on. Kudos goes to Monet and Spiler for their performances in this play as well as to Terry Hamilton as Herman.

 

Horak did a number of songs and dance performances and her “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” was charming, but the top performance goes to Alex Goodrich. Goodrich’s portrayal of Oscar was priceless! His performance in the elevator is worth a ticket for admission itself and the elevator scene still has us laughing.

 

The relationship and bond that Horak and Goodrich form in “Sweet Charity” is captivating, humorous and ultimately have you walking away feeling a little sad and heartbroken, but hey, that’s what good acting will do; and they both work their magic in this play.

 

“Sweet Charity” has been a musical since 1966 and has been performed throughout the world, so it’s not anything new under the sun here; but we feel you will genuinely enjoy seeing this 2 hours, 30 minutes performance.

 

Let’s Play highly recommends taking the trip to Lincolnshire’s Marriott Theatre to see “Sweet Charity.”

Brenda and Rick McCain

The Cast Includes:

 

Anne Horak (Charity Hope Valentine)

Liam Quealy (Charlie, Manfred, Mike)

Elyse Collier (Woman with Hat)

Alex Smith (Football Player)

Liam Quealy, Joe Bigelow (Policeman)

Dani Spieler (Nickie)

NaTonia Monet (Helene)

Terry Hamilton (Herman)

Alexandra Palkovic (Ursula)

Adam Jacobs (Vittorio Vidal)

Kyra Sorce (YMCA Receptionist)

Alex Goodrich (Oscar Limdquist)

Kenny Ingram (Daddy Johann Sebastian Brubeck)

Liam Quealy, Adam Rogers (Brothers)

Lexis Danca (Rosie)

Ensemble: Joe Bigelow, Elyse Collier, Lexis Danca, Alex Dorf, Alejandro Fonseca, Terry Hamilton, Kenny Ingram, Eben K. Logan, Hanah Rose Nardone, Alexandra Palkovic, Liam Quealy, Adam Rogers, Laura Savage, Alex Smith. Kyra Sorce. Jessica Wolfrum.

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