Melanie Griffith as Charity? CJR's 2nd worst nightmare? — Page 2

BwayTheatre,

Aside from my husband not being on Broadway (and neither is her's after Oct. 7), those other two reasons are some of the exact reasons why I want to be on Broadway. Also add the health insurance, the paycheck, the opportunities that come from it, etc...

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Well, I'll never argue with one who has good taste

I've yet to see her on stage. I know some who've seen her and really enjoyed her. I know others thought her a trainwreck. I choose to not spend my money to see it (also because, unlike most people, I wasn't wildly enamored of this production of CHICAGO).

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What is "Charity" about? Is it a new B'Way show?

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Where's CJR? Did she have a heart attack because of this news?!

Sex: Yes, please. HAHHAAA I kill myself. *ahem* sorry about that...to answer your question, no, ChristineDaae, Sweet Charity isn't a new show. It's a revival of a show about a "lady of the evening" with a heart of gold, as it's so frequently put.

Dear Gentle Christine,

You really should get out more....

SWEET CHARITY was a splendid musical in the early 70's. Gwen Verdon starred and won a Tony Award for her excellent performance. It was revived about 20 years ago with Debbie Allen. The movie starred Shirley MacLaine and has just been released on DVD. Surely you've heard the songs "Big Spender", "There's Gotta Be Something Better than This" and "Baby Dream Your Dream". They all come from this show. There is also a exhilerating dance number called "The Rich Man's Frug". All of this was Bob Fosse at his best.

The story isn't about a streetwalker or a prostitute. Charity Hope Valentine is a dance hall hostess. There's a fine; albeit thin, line between her profession and the others.

Not only does SWEET CHAIRITY have an excellent score by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh, but it has a funny and touching book by Neil Simon. Surely you've heard of him.

Broaden your horizons, dear. There's more to life than PHANTOM OF THE OUTHOUSE.

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Christine,

You really should spend some time reading about Broadway's history. There were great shows done before your birth. There are also recordings of shows that are now available on CD.

I wasn't attending theater in the 40's and 50's, but I have a passing familiarity with the shows that were done then. I mean, I didn't see Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza in SOUTH PACIFIC, but I have the OBC and know the music. I've also read Mary Martin's autobiography, MY HEART BELONGS, and it gives some insight into the creation of that masterpiece.

You might be interested in Cy Feuer's book, I'VE GOT THE SHOW RIGHT HERE. I just finished reading it and it's not only good, but it's funny. Mr. Feuer produced the original productions of GUYS ANDS DOLLS and HOW TO SUCCEED...among others. The book should be available in your local library.

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Actually Dollypop, Sweet Charity opened in January of 1966 and Gwen Verdon did not win the Tony Award. She lost to Angela Lansbury in Mame.

Dollypop? . . . wrong? HA! Yes. Finally...

Thank you for those words, Chita Fan. Very well put.

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"I believe she mentioned other charachteristics Fosse, in her opinion, would have liked or loved about Melanie.."

Did Ann say "She has 'inflatable doll' lips?"

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