I'm going to try something that is certainly untraditional in the world of writing reviews. I'm going to give this delightful show a well deserved review from...a...well...cast members perspective. Sweet Charity is rolling into it's second of a three weekend run, and I do hope that after reading this review, our great arts community will consider adding this event to their "things-to-do" list! From the moment the orchestra hits the first note, and your eyes settle into the wonderful colors of the set design, you know you are in for a treat.

       Sweet Charity, the story of a girl who wanted to be loved, was based on an old Fellini movie called Nights of Cabiria. It was conceived, staged and choreographed by Bob Fosse. Fosse, then married to Gwen Verdon, wanted to do a project together that starred Gwen...and so Sweet Charity was born! With a book by Neil Simon, music by, Cy Coleman, lyrics by, Dorothy Fields, how could they go wrong. Sweet Charity opened on January 29, 1966, at the Palace Theatre in New York City, and ran for 608 performances! Several years later a movie would be made, starring Shirley MacLain, Sammy Davis Jr., Ricardo Montalban, Rita Moreno, and many more. Fast forward to the mid-90's and there would be many stage revivals, starring actresses such as Christina Applegate, Debbie Allen, Bebe Neuwirth, and many more.

        Surfside's Sweet Charity production features the talents of Director/ Heather McFarland, Music Director/George Kobosko, Stage Manager/Robin Pena, Audio-Lighting/Sam Malesky, Costumer/Sharon Clark, Master Carpenter/David Young, Hair-Makeup Consultant/Jennifer Sottile-Jones (from Sharp Shears in Satellite Beach), Set Design/Jacob McAlister...who I must say...also brilliantly portrays Oscar. Wait 'till you hear that voice!

       A strong cast of dedicated performers round out this terrific show. Anthony DeTrano, is simply delicious with his portrayal of Vittorio Vidal. Carolyn Barone, sizzles as girlfriend Ursula. Anthony Grayson, is the epitome of funky and cool as Daddy Brubeck. Anthony Mowad, is simply perfect as Herman, the bar owner. Charity's best friends are wonderfully portrayed by Terry Lynch, as Nickie and Holly McFarland, as Helene. Adding spice to the show are the talented Dance Hall Hostesses, Rachel Cooke, Amy Goforth, Meridith Scholtens, Gina Wilson, Jennifer Lopez, Carolyn Barone, and featured dancer Cara Kincaid. A stellar ensemble puts the final touch to this production, Ashley Arnold, Bob Barone, Terry Wayne Cravens Jr., Randall Deane, David Forman, Jonathan Goforth, Kyle Gray, Kim Larsen, Mary Moore, Rebecca Meyers, Molly Nystrom Reddington, Rich Reifsnyder, James Salmon, and the one and only Tommy Barone!

       Last weekends audiences were simply buzzing with excitement and encouragement...a strong indication of how special this production is. So, come on down and have some fun with us. For performance and ticket information, please call Surfside Playhouse at 783-3127, or go to the website at www.surfsideplayers.com.

Yours Truly,

 Deborah Rappa-Crisafulli

aka:Choreographer and Charity!!

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.