Photo Flash: First Look at Aurora Theatre's SWEET CHARITY

Aurora Theatre opens a new season with a new chamber version of the Broadway classic Sweet Charity now through September 2, 2012. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.

Sweet Charity chronicles the misadventures of Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall gal with a heart of gold who attempts to navigate the emotionally treacherous terrain of romance and New York City in the 1960’s. Sweet Charity was created by a team of legends in the industry with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by American comedy master Neil Simon. The original Broadway production was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse and starred his wife Gwen Verdon. Winner of 5 Tony Awards, Sweet Charity is best known for show-stopping musical numbers like Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now and I’m A Brass Band.

With Sweet Charity, Aurora Theatre welcomes home two former Atlanta standouts who have gained national recognition for their work. Dad’s Garage Founder and former Artistic Director, Sean Daniels returns to Atlanta to put a fresh spin on this oft-produced hit. Since leaving Atlanta 10 years ago, Sean has gone on to work at California Shakespeare Theater and Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, and currently serves as Director of Artistic Engagement for Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY. Sean is nationally regarded as an expert of bringing new faces to theatre audiences. Daniels is especially adept at giving a fresh and funny approach to traditional works. Sweet Charity is also the homecoming of Canton, Georgia native and New York based veteran of several Broadway national tours, Trent Blanton, who will portray all of Charity’s love interests. His wife Rebecca Simon, also a Broadway national tour performer, will take on the title role of Charity Hope Valentine. All of the remaining characters will be played by a team of seven of Atlanta’s best musical theatre talents including Aurora Theatre audience favorites Jevares C. Myrick, Jimi Kocina, Caroline Freedlund and John Markowski, with Taryn Bryant, Loren Lott and Jenna Edmonds all making their Aurora Theatre debut. Accompanying Daniels on the stellar creative team are Aurora Theatre Associate Producer and Resident Music Director Ann-Carol Pence and choreographer Jen MacQueen.

Programming in Aurora Theatre’s 2012-2013 Main Stage Season is possible through generous support from Metro Waterproofing and the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund. Sweet Charity is sponsored by Gwinnett Federal Credit Union.

Photo Credit: Chris Bartelski

Jenna Edmonds, Taryn Janelle, Caroline Freedlund & Loren Lott

Jevares C. Myrick and the Company

Caroline Freedlund, Rebecca Simon & Taryn Janelle

Rebecca Simon & Trent Blanton