Sweet Charity 3/1/05 review

Hey Magictodo82 - I think I know you

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Here is my take on the performance:

And I should state that I have never seen the show onstage before.

Overall I really enjoyed it, and was impressed by Ms. Applegate. She really delivered. I read somewhere that people thought she was camera acting - however I didn't get that impression at all. Her charity was sweet, vulnerable and a clumsy. And her singing voice was more than adequate - especially during her Charity Monologue in the beginning of the show. Only weak spot was her “Where Am I Going?” Her closet scene following “If My Friends…” was great.

Is there any truth to Natascia Diaz possible getting fired? It seemed like she was not enjoying herself. And during “There’s Gotta Be Something…” she was over dancing the number, flourishing wildly and really sticking out from Christina and Solange Sandy. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but she seemed ticked through the entire show, including the bows.

Denis O’Hare – hilarious. Loved the elevator scene.

Orchestrations - They made the Frug more mod-rock 60’s sounding – same with “Rhythm of Life.” I liked these changes. The overture was really cheesy sounding and way over amplified.

Choreography – I enjoyed it. A lot of Christina’s moves avoided high-kicks and anything too too complicated. But it was fun to watch her having such a good time.

The ensemble was good.

Costumes – I agree, the dress they gave Natasha Diaz was not very flattering. A modified baby-doll dress which made her look preggers. The rest of the costumes were fun and very 60s.

Sets – There is a set gag in Vittorio’s apartment that I’m sure will get this show a Tony nomination for set design.

The ending - reading the backstage diary on the Sweet Charity web site, it seems they changed the ending the night we saw it. After calling it quits with Oscar, she has a monologue about how she's gonna be ok, and then the ensemble comes out and does a reprise of I'm A Brass Band. Charity joins in and it ends on a very upbeat note.

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chitownbob, I think I know you:) In fact, I bet you were the guy sitting next to me at Sweet Charity! Hows that for irony? (hehe!) Run screaming from this board for your sanity - its ruined my life.

...but (inside joke ahead) all roads lead to Tommy.:) Welcome!

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I'm seeing this on Saturday! Very very excited. Yay for reviews :)

I have one quick question: how long was the show?

I saw the Saturday matinee. I thought Christina was darling, but vocally weak. She moves well and looks fantastic. Dennis O’Hare is very funny. I found the choreography to be a highlight of the show. I loved the apparent “Thriller” moves at times. I do agree that the band scene was bland. I definitely would recommend it.

The choreography was fun, but I did miss some of the original Fosse stuff including the end of the boxing part of "Rich Man's Frug" when the woman is the only one left standing. I also missed the long ponytail during that whole number - the woman in this version wore a giant feather wig.

I also missed that classic move during "If My Friends..." when Charity makes a circle with her foot on the floor and then slinks forward.

As Magictodo mentioned, some if the choreography almost resembled cheerleader moves at times, particularly during "Brass Band."

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Updated On: 3/3/05 at 12:35 PM