BWW Reviews: Dean Bryant's SWEET CHARITY Is A Beautifully Crafted Retelling Of The Bitter Sweet Tale Of The Eternally Hopeful Taxi Dancer.

Thursday 29th January 2015, Playhouse, Sydney Opera House

Following a triumphant season at Hayes Theatre in Potts Point, the multi award winning SWEET CHARITY has transferred to the larger Playhouse stage at the Sydney Opera House as the first step on their four city tour without losing the of the intimacy of the original. The moving story of Charity Hope Valentine is bought to life with vibrancy; honesty and simplicity which makes it clear why the original Hayes Theatre performance received 8 Helpmann Award Nominations, winning 3 Awards, and 9 Sydney Theatre Award Nominations, winning 3 Awards.

Dean Bryant (Director) has pulled back on the flash of bigger musicals and presented a production that allows the audience to feel closer to the story and the characters. Owen Phillips simple set of two way mirrors, basic wooden chairs, and clothes racks allows the stage to be quickly transformed from the Fandango Dance Hall, dressing rooms, Central Park and even subway carriages. Most prop pieces form a dual purpose and draws on the audience's imagination, the only exception being the chaise lounge and lamp in Vittorio's apartment. The simplicity even extends to continuing to use side stage for costume changes without the performers leaving the stage. Andrew Worboys' (Musical Director/Keys) 4 piece band which included Chris Ball (Woodwind), Konrad Ball (Bass), and Dom Cabrera(Percussion), is on a raised platform at the rear of the stage allowing them to double as the Fandango's musicians.

Tim Chappel's costuming echoes each of the girls personalities, in keeping with the reality that the taxi dancers would have to supply their own outfits, that their attire could indicate what else they were willing to offer, and that the girls would not have the money to afford more than one dress and one coat. Maintaining a pink/red/purple colour palette provides a bold visual and ensures that their characters are defined against the conservative Rhythm of Life Church parishioners and the Mod Pop Art inspired dancers at the Pompeii Club. The costuming also cleverly allows Martin Crewes to take on the roles of the three men in Charity's story, cool freeloader Charlie, movie star Vittorio and meek nerdy Oscar.

Verity Hunt-Ballard as Charity gives an amazing performance and its clear why she won both the Helpmann Award for Best Female Actor in a Musical and the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical. She brings an innocence and optimism to Charity whilst making it clear that she has been through a lot. Hunt-Ballard's If My Friends Could See Me Now is playful and her Where and I Going? is moving. Charity's positive force is countered by the world weary Nickie and Helene presented fabulously by Debora Krizak and Kate Cole respectively. The girls little actions are hilarious, showing their veiled sarcasm and cynicism in There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This". Krizak also doubles as Vittorio's Nordic, yet English sounding girlfriend Ursula with pouty, tantrum throwing, supermodel style. Martin Crewes as Vittorio and Oscar (Charlie is never heard) has a warm clear singing tone and retains the relevant accents well for his solos and he creates and endearing Oscar, making the final outcome even more shocking.

The Ensemble's Big Spender provides bold visual pictures and makes the dancers' desperation clear and ensures that the audience knows that these girls paying the bills in the only job that they are qualified to do, dance (and potentially more) with strangers for money in a seedy dance hall. Other big "musical theatre" ensemble numbers The Rhythm of Life and I'm a Brass Band provide humorous moments although the costuming in the latter number is not really explained as both patrons and staff at the restaurant are attired in Mexican ponchos and hats.

This interpretation of SWEET CHARITY is a must see for both the optimistic storyline, the clever handling of what is often a big musical on a small stage, and the award winning performances.

Following its Sydney engagement, SWEET CHARITY will tour to Canberra, Melbourne and Wollongong.

SWEET CHARITY

Sydney

Playhouse, Sydney Opera House

15 January - 8 February 2015

Canberra

Canberra Theatre Centre

11 February - 22 February 2015

Melbourne

Arts Centre Melbourne

25 February - 8 March 2015

Wollongong

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre

11 March - 15 March 2015

Photos: Jeff Busby

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