"Sweet Charity" Minneapolis 2/12 Matinee

[Tenorific]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 7:04pm

Hi. I'm new to the board.

I just saw "Sweet Charity" and was amazed by the dancing of Christina Applegate, and the entire company. The music had a funky quality about it with "Rich Man's Frug", "Rhythm of Life", and "Big Spender".

Ms. Applegate's performance was very 'adorable' in the sense that you felt like you had to take Charity in your arms and hold her (ala Judy Garland). As stated, she danced like a pro, acting was nice, however, my one quibble is when Oscar told her he wasn't going to marry her, she cried, but then abruptly stopped. Oh well!! Vocally, not strong, but she has presence, which is needed for this role. I commend her for taking this huge undertaking.

Denis O'Hare is my hero!! I love that man!! What a sweetheart, too. We walked together a few blocks after the show and talked. I'm guessing Tony nom, and what a beautiful voice. He captured the gamut that Oscar was feeling... the underdog, the likable chap, doing what he could to make Charity feel loved. He said today was the first day of 2 performances. He was going to grab dinner and rest his voice.

Natascia Diaz and Solange Sandy stole the show when they were in it. Ms. Diaz is a powerhouse (Tony nom). Ernie Sabella basically had little to do. I saw him at the stage door after the show, and he just seemed really out of it, very soft-spoken, even after congratulatory praise about the big "operatic note" he hit. Didn't really get the vibe of him, and the girl waiting with me didn't either.

Paul Schoeffler.... his voice could melt butter. I didn't care for the Italian accent as 'Vittorio', but when he sang... all was forgiven.

Rhett George as "Big Daddy" was fine in the "Rhythm of Life". They had "3 Soul Sisters" ala JCS as his backup. I wasn't too blown away by him, but it was still a fun number.

Timothy Edward Smith, who played Vittorio's butler, stole his scenes, given some good lines. So kudos to him!!!

Ms. Applegate was on her cell phone, she was like "Dog, where you at" to the person on the other end", so I mouthed good job as she signed my playbill, then she got in her Mercedes and drove off.

On the strength of the performances of Applegate, O'Hare (my boy... lol), Diaz, and Schoeffler, and the orchestrations, and the amazing ensemble, the production was fine. I saw a lot of "teens" and "tweeners" in the audience, which was fine because of Ms. Applegate's name, and hopefully it introduced them to things other than "Married With Children" and "Anchorman". Wayne Cilento's choreography was amazing ("Rich Man's Frug" rocked), Walter Bobbie's direction was fine.... it seemed like there could be some more 'streamlining' of dialogue and delivery (oops, better not say that or Elaine Joyce will kick my a$$).

The comment I heard from all the ensemble as they walked out the stage door was "Damn, I'm tired... I need a nap". Hopefully they all rested up and will be able to rock it out again tonight.

For any students out there, either in Mpls. or surrounding area, they are offering $20 student rush tix with ID, cash only.

They had T-shirts and posters. I got the black "Big Spender" T and the souvenir guy was flirting with me. I enjoyed it!!

Enjoy!!

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 7:08pm

Do Christina and Denis have chemistry? I love him, but I have seen him trying to play straight, and it doesn't always work.

[Tenorific]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 7:10pm

They were cute together. I wouldn't say it was "do me now" chemistry, but "cute" sums it up.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 7:11pm

Well, cute is better than none.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 7:11pm

I never took it as him trying to play straight - he always seems flamboyant onstage. I adored it in TAKE ME OUT, but he repeated the same performance in ASSASSINS, and it did not work at all and was tired. I hope he is believable in CHARITY...

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 7:29pm

I loved his Guiteau, but Guiteau is a flamboyant character to begin with.

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 10:44pm

Tenorific--thanks for the review:) I saw the 1980s revival starring Debbie Allen and all of us that saw it together that day found it quite boring, and "pretentious," with the only electric moment in the show being the Hey Big Spender number.

You say "the production was fine," but overall, do you think it was anything particularly exciting or special? SWEET CHARITY, has never been considered one of the better musicals.

Do you think the show is one you would recommend to folks or do you think perhaps another musical might have done better being revived with this star and creative team? Thanks!

[timote316]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 10:49pm

I'd imagine the chemistry will improve by the time it hits NYC. I can't wait to see this in Boston!

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 10:51pm

I'll definitely see it, but I'm not expecting much.

[Tenorific]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 10:52pm

WishIHadATony (and I wish I do, literally and figuratively),

To be honest, I wasn't completely blown away by it. I wouldn't say it's a rock-em, sock-em show. I didn't hear too many people commenting (audience members) afterwards. I think it'll make it on "name" power and the dance alone. I'm glad I was able to see it, but it wouldn't be a show I'd rush out to see again.

My theory is: see it to see it, and leave it at that. Normally I leave the theatre on an upswing, and this time, I left it on an "okay" swing.

I hope that made sense.

Peace!!

[commasplice]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 10:58pm

Tenorific, this is an odd question, but how long was the show? I'm seeing it next month in Chicago (and looking forward to it!) and when it ends will determine how fast I have to run to the train station afterwards (and if I can go to the stage door).

[Tenorific]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 11:12pm

The show started a little after 2 and got done about 10 to 5. The ensemble were also saying, "This is the fastest we've ever got done" (of course they've been performing since this past Tuesday).

The stage door experience I had was not memorable (except for Denis O'Hare). Ernie Sabella looked like he was pissy and didn't want to sign. Ensemble members didn't even stop. Applegate rushed by and wouldn't have signed unless this girl and I walked up to her while she was on her cell phone with out playbills extended.

Keep in mind, this is Minneapolis. Nobody was at the stage door (audience members). I hope things are good for you in Chicago, and again, Denis O'Hare made the whole thing for me (onstage and off).

peace!!

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 11:15pm

Tenorific, It sounds like you felt almost exactly about the show as I did when I saw the 1980s revival. Certainly a professinally, well crafted show, etc. etc. But ultimately, for some reason, eh. Just not one of musical theater's better offerings.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 11:17pm

I've always found the show boring.

[commasplice]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 11:19pm

Hmm, looks like I'll have to skip that, because unless they trim it down a little bit, I'm going to have to dash out or else I'll miss my train. Oh well! Thanks for posting a review and answering my question. I'm taking my mother, who hasn't been to the theatre in a long time, so I hope she enjoys it. Updated On: 2/12/05 at 11:19 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 11:27pm

I can't wait for this show!

I am sure it will improve greatly by the time it comes to Broadway.
I haven't heard anything bad about this production yet, so it should be great. I def. see a lot of Tony nods for this show! Natascia hopefully will get recognized.

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 11:28pm

Melissa Erica Fan, "You Took the Words Right Outta My Mouth."

With all the great shows out there, why are they reviving this one???? I guess because they think they're gonna make money with it.....

I have seen it on Broadway twice and found it dreadfully boring both times.

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 11:31pm

WISHIHADATONY, You say the same thing in EVERY Sweet Charity thread.We understand you didn't like the 80's Revival. The show is different now. Revised score & book, new set & costumes. Some people LOVE the show, some don't. Personally, I am very excited for this production. I think it has a great score. Can't wait to hear the new songs.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 11:32pm

I'm really looking forward to seeing this production.

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 2/12/05 at 11:37pm

ljay889, I hope I looove the new production. I wanna love everything. That is one of the great things about theater. It can always be alive, and changing and hopefully bringing us new heights of joy.

I love the original and current creative team of this show and hope they work magic with it.

[Tenorific]

Posted: 2/13/05 at 12:09am

I found this interesting. One of the new songs, that replaced "Sweet Charity" was Cy Coleman's "You Wanna Bet". Instead of the lyric of the title, O'Hare sang "Sweet Charity". I recognized the tune and opening line, and the rest of the song was revamped for the show.

WishIHad... like you & MEF, I wasn't blown away, and some people may either like it or hate it. No reviews have been posted on either Twin Cities newspapers online or print. I'd like to see critical reaction to it.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 2/13/05 at 12:12am

Thanks for all your reports, Tenorific!

Denis singing "You Wanna Bet"? THAT'S interesting!

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/13/05 at 12:31am

I'm confused. They cut the song "Sweet Charity"?

[wildcat]

Posted: 2/13/05 at 1:03am

The original tune of "Sweet Charity" in the Gwen Verdon/Bob Fosse production was the same as "You Wanna Bet". Cy Coleman rewrote the music to the same lyric for the film and that was the tune used in the Debbie Allen revival. Sounds like they have reverted once more to the original version.

[LouieLovesTheater]

Posted: 2/13/05 at 2:57am

Did we see the same show? At the 2/12 matinee I was out at my car by 4:40 so they've for sure trimmed the show down since Tuesday.

As for the stage door, I had the same experience with Ernie Sabella. He looks really weary but I think it's because they have busting their rumps off this week. I think it's totally forgiveable...Christina too. I'm sure she doesn't want to wait around in the cold weather and gets sick. I've had several friends that have seen her out and about and she has been totally friendly with them. At the stage door on Tuesday every ensemble member signed stuff people asked and Solange even waited around for Walter Bobbie to finish signing my poster and then signed mine and talked for a few minutes. Normally I'm of the family of people who want everyone to be nice at the stage door (a lofty and somewhat selfish wish I know) but I'm making some exceptions here because all the rehearsing those people are doing.

I've said it before...I for sure think this show is one of the better revivals out there. Applegate nails her stuff and O'Hare has some great moments. I think they are both adorable.

The 'Sweet Charity' number sounds exactly like the one that is usually performed with the show (though without the chorus singing stuff at the end like "they look all right up there, he'll belong to heeeeeeeeeeer". They just sing along.

The highlight is still Rich Man's Frug...so damn cool looking.

Edited to add the link to Star Tribune's review of the show. I'm only linking it here because it's not an incredibly strong review and thought it would give some weight to those who might think this is a shill. By the way, I do have to say that in my opinion this reviewer consistenly misses the boat when reviewing shows and some of the comments he makes are extreme overstatements (especially regarding Applegate which I feel are just nasty)


Sweet Charity Review Updated On: 2/13/05 at 02:57 AM