(Above: Lynnea Barry and Cloud Pemble lead the cast of Sweet Charity, on stage at The Shedd through Sept. 24, 2023; photo by Zoe Pouliot)

By Randi Bjornstad

If it’s been awhile since you enjoyed a Neil Simon stage play, or watched some great Bob Fosse-style choreography, or marveled over the intricacy of one of Federico Fellini’s famous movie plot, you can get a taste of all three with Sweet Charity, on stage at The Shedd through Sept. 24.

Sweet Charity the musical is a stage adaptation by Simon (book), Cy Coleman (music), and Dorothy Fields (lyrics), and Fosse not only choreographed but also directed the Broadway show, which opened in January 1966 and ran for 608 performances before closing in mid-July 1967. It was revived on Broadway in 1986 and 2005.

Playbill described it this way:

Dance hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine has had a rough time when it comes to finding “the one.” In spite of one misfortune after another, Charity is optimistic and still believes in true love. She isn’t ready to give up on her dreams of settling down with the right guy in this high-energy, dance-filled, comedic musical sensation. A Tony Award®-nominated musical, Sweet Charity captures all the humor and heartbreak of life in the Big Apple.

Not only that, but the show includes several instantly recognizable and singable songs, such as Big Spender and If My Friends Could See Me Now.

Gwen Verdon starred as Charity Hope Valentine in the original Broadway version, which was followed by revivals in 1986 and 2005. The Shedd production features Lynnea Barry as Charity, along with performers Cloud Pemble, Thomas Guastavino, Matthew Leach, Vanessa Greenway, Hanna Foshay, Kenady Conforth, Carmen, Clarae Smith, Heidi Turnquist, Kara Churchill, Wyatt Tubbs, Matthew Villanueva, Nehemiah Nance, Matthew Michaels, and Shae Brodsky.

The production team includes director Terry Ray, music director and conductor Robert Ashens, choreographer Richarfd Jessup, costumer Anna Björnsdottir and set creator Connie Huston.

The orchestra includes Emily Weinkauf Kidder (piano); Nathan Waddell (bass); Keegan Vaughn (percussion); Daniel Cathey, Richard Johnson, Matthew Taylor, Bob Ragan, and Christina Boorman (reeds); Glenn Griffith, Richard Lewis, and Matt Ingman (trombone); Casey Riley, Alex Shuffield, and Cody Simmons (trumpet); and Chico Schwall (guitar).

Sweet Charity at The Shedd

When: 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 and 23; 3 p.m. on Sept. 24

Where: Jaqua Concert Hall, The Shedd Institute, 868 High St., Eugene

Tickets: $29 to $39, available at The Shedd ticket office, by telephone at 541-434-7000, or online at theshedd.org

Additional details: Shedd Dinners at Six, before or after performances, available by reservation at 541-434-7000; $27.75 for adults and $19.75 for children 9 years and younger

 

 

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