SWEET CHARITY (Manila) Releases New Promo Photos!

Manila, Philippines, June 28, 2011 -- Nikki Gil (Legally Blonde, Seussical), Ciara Sotto (Rent, Magsimula Ka), OJ Mariano (Rent, The Wedding Singer) and Sheree Bautista (Rent, Little Mermaid) were among 9 Works Theatrical's cast members of its upcoming production of Neil Simon and Cy Coleman's Broadway musical, Sweet Charity, who met the press at the Dusit Thani Hotel today. 

Ms. Gil plays a dancer for hire, Charity Hope Valentine; Ms. Sotto plays one of Charity's best friends, Helene; Mr. Mariano dabbles in double roles as an Italian film star, Vittorio Vidal, and as a charismatic religious leader of the Rhythm of Life Church, Daddy Johann Sebastian Brubeck; and Ms. Bautista plays one of Charity's co-dancers, Carmen; when Sweet Charity opens on Friday, August 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Sweet Charity, which originally starred Gwen Verdon as Charity, premiered on Broadway in 1966. The show was also adapted into a full-length film in 1969, which starred Shirley MacLaine as Charity, and had several remakes on Broadway. Sweet Charity's most recent revival on the Great White Way was in 2005, which had Christina Applegate and Charlotte d'Amboise in the title role.

Coleman's music for the musical boasts of catchy-but-naughty tunes (and sometimes with dark tones in the same vein as John Kander's musical Chicago). A couple of popular show tunes, "Big Spender" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now," are from the show.

9 Works Theatrical's resident director Robbie Guevara (Rent, The Wedding Singer) and assistant director Lorenz Martinez are at the helm of Sweet Charity in Manila.

Musical director Joseph Tolentino (orchestra), musical director Sweet Plantado (vocals), scenographer and costume designer Mio Infante, costume designer Hanna delos Reyes, lighting designer Martin Esteva, choreographer Deana Aquino, graphic designer Dale Amon and photographer Roy Macam round out its creative team.

Sweet Charity runs from August 5 to 27 -- Friday 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. , Saturday 3:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.  and Sunday 4 p.m.  For tickets and more information, call (632) 557-5860, 586-7105 or  (63) 917-5545560 or email info@9workstheatrical.com.

Photos by Roy Macam and Ulysses Manuel

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