BY CHRISTOPHER THOMAS
Prospero Arts’ Brisbane production of Sweet Charity is a fantastic concert-format adaptation to the iconic 1966 musical written by Cy Coleman (music), Dorothy Fields (lyrics) and Neil Simon (book).
Sweet Charity is a delightful story of a woman’s determination to believe in hope, love and the promise of a better life, despite repeated disappointment and abandonment. The musical is based on the screenplay for the 1957 Italian film Nights of Cabiria. It was originally directed and choreographed for Broadway by the legend, Bob Fosse.
On the surface, the musical is bright with an enormous quantity of “cuteness”, while also exploring deeper issues of loneliness, self-worth and resilience in a world that takes advantage of vulnerable individuals.
In this concert-format production, there is great use of a simple set with loads of opportunity for elevation in the various scenes with a large digital screen that beautifully portrays the environment.
Pleasingly, there is a substantial onstage orchestra (much larger than the usual touring orchestras) with a heavy brass section that takes full utility of the bold and in-your-face score, brilliantly led by Michael Tyack.
The overwhelming standouts are the large chorus scenes with the unmistakable choreography inspired by Bob Fosse including Hey Big Spender and Rich Man’s Frug. Director and Choreographer Cameron Mitchell has done a brilliant job in re-creating the unequivocal style, successfully immersing the audience into New York City in the 1960’s. The intricate
choreography of hands, knees and ankles complemented by the subtle orchestration that brings the Fosse to life in Rich Man’s Frug, wrapped the audience in an immensely satisfying warm velvet blanket. This number alone is worth the ticket.
Charity Hope Valentine is played by the shining star Loren Hunter, who is well known to Brisbane audiences, a genuine triple threat performer who is one of the most versatile in Australia. Her Charity is the sweetest bundle of energy you will ever witness. Loren comfortably commands a majority of stage time in a role with complex choreography and characterisation, with her trademark soaring vocals sealing the trifecta. Her If My Friends Could See Me Now and Where Am I Going? are testament to her brilliance.
Simon Burke AO provides more star power with an outstanding performance history, and a brilliant dual role as Herman (the impatient ballroom manager) and Vittorio Vidal (the confident and famous Italian actor).
Both characters are worlds apart but Simon handles this brilliantly, providing comedic moments alongside his pitch-perfect vocals.
Jake Speer plays a nervous and unsure Oscar Lindquist with a genuine sincerity that romantically draws you right in before his character collapses and disappoints Charity once again. Jake’s ability to go from television (Home and Away) to live theatre is clearly impressive.
Sean Sinclair leads the spectacular Rhythm of Life number, which opens the second act to great audience acclaim. Charity’s closest friends—played by Kristina McNamara (Nickie) and Angelina Thomson (Helene)—shine with their duo and trio numbers with Loren throughout the production.
Prospero Arts have again created another outstanding semi-staged concert production in conjunction with QPAC. Prospero Arts specialise in this style of production, with a commitment to professional opportunities for local performers. The Concert Hall provides a sublime acoustic experience that is taken advantage by the large precise orchestra and outstanding vocal performances. This is local performers in a local theatre company producing a truly world-class experience and it deserves full houses.
WHAT: Sweet Charity
WHEN: Until December 14
WHERE: QPAC Concert Hall
TICKETS: You can get your tickets for Sweet Charity here.
