Sweet Charity Opens Thursday

VALDOSTA -- Lose yourself on the streets of New York in the VSU Theatre and Dance Area’s presentation of musical “Sweet Charity,” which opens Thursday, Nov. 11, and runs through Wednesday, Nov. 17, in Sawyer Theatre -- located on the first floor of the Fine Arts Building.

The musical, written by witty playwright Neil Simon, is set in the 1960s as the central character -- Charity Hope Valentine -- an optimistic dance club hostess makes her way through the ups and downs of love and life in a fast-paced, no-nonsense city. Director Eric Nielsen said that despite a series of unfortunate events, Valentine's unwavering optimism is "a lesson for all as we face difficult times."

"It is difficult to believe that it was 1988 when Dr. Randy Wheeler and I first presented ‘Sweet Charity’ in Sawyer Theatre. After 22 years, the musical continues to be a great learning experience for both the cast and the artistic/technical staff," Nielsen wrote in his director's notes. "Going down memory lane with a few of us who dealt with the ‘60s and then providing the cast with dance genres that were once used in school proms and clubs was an enlightening, and as I bite my lip, historical experience. This new generation of performers worked diligently to incorporate some of the original ideas of the show and present it with a fresher approach for our audiences."

The toe-tapping music numbers include “Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” and “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This.” Bob Fosse choreographed the 1966 debut performance on Broadway; and his signature, Tony Award winning moves take the stage during this high-energy hit.

For ticket information, call the VSU Theater and Dance Box Office at (229) 333-5973. Purchase tickets in person at the box office, located on the first floor of the Fine Arts Building, between 2-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Tickets are also available online at http://www.valdosta.edu/comarts/2010-2011Season.shtml .