BWW Reviews: SWEET CHARITY at WaterTower Theatre

Over in Addison, WaterTown Theatre has had a nearly invincible season. With stellar performances of BONNIE AND CLYDE, ALL MY SONS, and even the new work THE SPARK, the past ten months have been exciting and successful for the first-rate group. As their season finale, however, SWEET CHARITY fails to live up to WaterTower's well-deserved reputation.

To be fair, SWEET CHARITY has always had its flaws. The 1966 musical about a hooker with a heart of gold was a star vehicle for Broadway and dance legend Gwen Verdon, whose singing voice was serviceable at best. Despite catchy tunes by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields ("Hey Big Spender," "If My Friends Could See Me Now" and "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This"), Neil Simon's book sets up an interesting enough plot, but leaves audiences as unfulfilled as Charity's nonexistent love life. At its best, SWEET CHARITY is a cute show, but it lacks substance and a payoff for the audience.

Although the original production was written for a triple-threat cast of thirty, WaterTower director and choreographer Michael Serrecchia has reduced the company of SWEET CHARITY down to twelve performers, with two of leading male roles played by the same actor. Not only does this leave several of the Fosse-style production numbers empty, but the show also suffers from a severe lack of energy. Here, Serrecchia's "Big Spender" has become rather small, and the handful of dancers hardly brings life to the "brass band" 11 o'clock number.

In Whitney Hennen, WaterTower has found an adorable Charity Hope Valentine. Hennen has the perfect look and energy for the part, but isn't given the opportunity to show off any major vocal or dance skills. She also fails to make Charity relatable, playing her as a helpless dumb blonde, rather than the hopeful optimist she's written to be. Hennen will likely grow more comfortable with the role over the next few weeks, but her Charity will need depth in order to find the audience's respect.

Luke Longacre deserves recognition for his double-duty as both Oscar Linquist and Vittorio Vidal. Both physically and vocally, Longacre succeeds in disguising himself for two very different performances. Without reading the program, one might never notice that it is the same versatile actor playing the distinct roles.

One of CHARITY's highlights is Brian Hathaway as Herman, the sleazy club-owner of the Fandango Ballroom, where Charity and the girls dance for a dime. With his bright tenor voice, Hathaway makes the otherwise forgettable tune "I Love To Cry At Weddings" a favorite.

With many theatres mounting the familiar theatre anthology across the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, it is refreshing to see WaterTower produce a less frequently produced title with SWEET CHARITY. If you've never seen this show, or if you're interested in revisiting the Golden Age of Broadway, this hardworking company in Addison performs though August 16th.

WaterTower continues their departure from the expected with their 2015-2016 season. Deciding against another big song-and-dance musical, they have opted instead for an exciting array of plays, and CREEP, Donald Fowler's haunting new show, as their only musical. For more information, visit www.watertowertheatre.org.

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