Hornsby Musical Society’s production of Sweet Charity is a joyful, bubbly night of fun, great songs & wonderfully choreographed dance sequences. With music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon this is all about one girl’s endless hope and positivity in the face of ongoing setbacks & broken dreams.
Victoria Alfieris is perfect in the role of Charity Hope Valentine, full of enthusiasm and bouncing with energy and her strong clear voice ensures we hear every word. Her two girlfriends Charlie Wrublewski as Helene and Sarah Paull as Nickie work beautifully together as they sing and dance supporting, but also warning Charity as she continually falls for the wrong man.
Max Waterson’s voice penetrates the whole auditorium with depth and clarity as he plays the role of the slick actor celebrity Vittorio Vidal, one of several men with whom Charity gets entangled.
In complete contrast of character is James Denton playing the uncertain, fumbling Oscar Lindquist another of her would be loves and the one we think may last.
Not a lover but adding to the story is Sam Byres as Daddy Brubeck who has a great part as the hippie leading the very suspect church group in one of the well know songs in the musical Rhythm of Life.
There is also Tim Selby as Hermen the manager of the girls at the Fandango Ballroom in New York in the swinging sixties, where Charity works as a dance hall hostess,who turns about to be human after all.
Director/Choreographer Lauren Oxenham not only leads a talented principal and supporting cast but gathers a terrific ensemble of dancers and singers which makes for an exciting and quick moving show. The Rich Man’s Frug for example, had the audience wanting to join in with its precision and professional presentation.
The set is principally a geometric 60’s design quite simple in design but highly effective as we move from one location to another. The 60s costumes add to the feeling of the times as does the lighting. Music director Aiden Smith ensures the music flies with us we try not to sing along to some of the so familiar songs – Hey Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now and I Love to Cry at Weddings just to mention a few.
With a not quite typical Hollywood ending this is a night to cheer your soul as we see Charity a resilient hopeful girl who just wants to be loved and does not lose faith in humanity.
Playing at Pioneer Theatre Castle Hill till 24 May.
Photo credit is: Stefanie Roche Dobb – SRD Photography
