I have to admit, it’s been a VERY long time since I’ve watched the movie, SWEET CHARITY. The JAXX production is my actual first experience of the musical version for stage. So, I’ve been dusting off my memory and considering rewatching the film. But, there’s one thing I do remember.
Despite the downright high-strung, spunkiness…
of Shirley MacClaine (Charity), and intensely sultry performances of Chita Rivera and Paula Kelly…forged through Bob Fosse’s choreography, it’s also the music that knocks you out off the park. (“Hey Big Spender”, ring a bell?) Or in Charity’s case, off the Gapstow Bridge and into the Central Park Pond by her married boyfriend Charlie, who also steals her life savings, as he ditches her…drowning.
Which, by the way, is what’s missing from JAXX Theatricals, SWEET CHARITY. (No, not the bridge scene or the aforementioned music, which my ten year old self used at her very first professional musical theater audition!…Right?!)
Because regardless of the flightiness, silliness, over-giving-ness, and laundry list of Charity’s (played by Casey Hentz) most embarrassing moments, SWEET CHARITY is still, in theory and in practice, a rigorously choreographed musical, with characters who possess true grit.
Times Square taxi dancer, Charity, might be one of the world’s most hopelessly naive, romantic optimists.
In love with love, but ain’t got any luck with the guys she so desperately wants it from. And even when she finally meets her ne’er-do-prince charming, a shy and claustrophobic Oscar (played wonderfully by Tom Sys), while trapped in a broken down elevator, he can’t overcome Charity’s past (Judgy!).
Does it stop her? No! Of course not! No matter what the outcome, our sweet, sweet, Charity, is going to always look on the bright side of her shit-sandwich, life. Yeah. It’s tragic. But it’s also why we can walk away from this story, as upbeat, as the lead character, still knowing, she’ll probably NEVER make it out of the Fandango Dance Hall.
JAXX’s production, certainly has much of that hopefulness and playfulness.
But, as in most Fosse attempted replicas, it lacks the highly precise, iconic choreographic & rhythmic accuracy that gives the substance to what otherwise becomes very watered down and ineffective attempt at satirically emotional underbelly. Except for dancer Charlotte Nevin (Suzanne) who is completely immersed and thoroughly effortless in the dance numbers. (Nevin is a consistent chore standout looking like she’s practically taking a coffee break compared to everyone else. She’s THAT good!). (Although, admittedly, the choreography for SWEET CHARITY is often a LOT like Jerome Robbins).
In other words, the black-costumed burlesque, accurate as it is to the production, just isn’t enough. These people are trading sex for survival. Darkness and contempt are built-in features to their actual lives. And the cast, as wonderful as they are, just doesn’t quite pull off the juxtaposing (to Charity) deadpan and cynicism.
There is however, plenty of slink and attitude. And to their credit, the ensemble cast come together in an exquisite first act full company dance number (truly HOT!). Not to mention, yes, there are actors who can belt their singing voices into the rafters. Although, we wish it would have been sans, or, at least, turned-down mics (Ouch). Which had to compete with screaming fans. (Yes. That was a thing on Friday night…) Plus, let’s face it…JAXX Theatricals consistently goes 100% into character, style and interaction (Always LOVE that!) to produce these musical extravaganzas. (Also love THAT!). And on a budget! (Hello!) But this particular show, its characters, singers and dancers, all, needs some work.
It’s the 60th Anniversary of the SWEET CHARITY musical.
SWEET CHARITY was inspired by Federico Fellini’s 1957 Italian film, “Nights of Cabiria.” So there is much fun to be had with all the theatrical influences. And since Charity herself is always game for a great time…I’m betting that the cast will more fully step into the rigorous physicality, the messy emotional gravel and the vulnerable optimism in this flight of fancy, sans lampooning their heartfelt leading lady’s plight, to meet her in the moment.
“If they could see her now…”
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JAXX THEATRICALS Presents SWEET CHARITY
Book by Neil Simon. Music by Cy Coleman. Lyrics by Dorothy Fields. Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinellie & Ennio Flaiano.
Directed and Choreographed by Jeremy Lucas. Starring: Kasey Hentz and Tom Sys.
Featuring:
Jill Marie Burke. Amor Christensen. Brian Whisenant. Aryiel Hartman. Natalie Reff. Ai Yamamoto.
With:
Taylor Bailey. Juliana DeSilva. Brennan Eckberg. Anna Gagliardo. Genevieve Gray. Sofia Gutierrez. SiSea Katikka. Ellis Meng. JD Morabito. Charlotte Nevins. Andrew Sear. Kyler Wells.
Crew:
Lighting Design: Atticus Jones. Stage Manager: Colin Tracy. Sound Design/Engineer: Emmanuel Bradshaw. Make-up Design: Jeanne Mare Raubenheimer. Music Supervisor: Jill Marie Burke. Scenic Design: Colin Tracy. Costume Design: AnaRosa Cortes, Jeremy Lucas, Kent Marine & JD Morabito. Assistant Stage Manager: Kent Marine. Asst. Director/Asst. Choreographer: Denise Moth Yelich. Burlesque Consultant: Ellis Meng. Intimacy Coordinator: Aryiel Hartman. Publicity: Sandra Kuker PR.
Photo by Ren Shelburne: Ai Yamato as Helene, Kasey Hentz as Charity & Natalie Reff as Nickie in JAXX Theatricals SWEET CHARITY.
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