Neil Simon’s 1966 Broadway hit, which later became a film starring Shirley McLean, brings Miss Charity Hope Valentine and her crazy life back to the stage. With famous Broadway hits such as Hey Big Spender and If My Friends Could See Me Now, Sweet Charity is a throwback to how Broadway used to be.

Set in New York City, the title character is a hopeless romantic and hostess (the 60’s equivalent to a lap dancer) at a dance hall. After being pushed into the river by her boyfriend Charlie, she is reminded by fellow hostess Nickie “you run your heart like a hotel – you’ve always got people checking in and checking out”

What follows is trademark for the romantic comedy style of the 60’s. Charity finds herself meeting and dining with a famous movie star, Vittorio Vidal, and later trapped in an elevator with charming claustrophbic Oscar Lindquist. After helping Oscar overcome his fear in the song Bravest Individual, the two start spending more time together with sweet results. She gives him courage, he gives her hope, and their relationship grows.

Stage West’s production is simple, as is the show, but that is what makes it so interesting – it survives on the skill of its lead, played with charm and, well, sweetness, by the gorgeous Elodie Gillette. While comparisons are certain to be made to Christina Applegate, who starred in the 2005 Broadway production, Gillette performs a role she was obviously meant to play, based on her enthusiasm. She becomes Charity Valentine and it’s a pleasure to watch while she effortlessly sings, dances and acts her way through the production. Her versions of If My Friends Could See Me Now and I’m a Brass Band are show-stoppers.

The choreography is dazzling, especially the dance hall number Rich Man’s Frug, which left the crowd breathless. Numbers like this, done to perfection, are what make me a fan of the musical genre.

There is plenty of comedy in the show as well, with a lot of genuine laugh out loud moments. Risa Waldman as Nickie and Robyn Wong as Helene often steal the scenes they are in. Michael Lomenda’s over the top Big Daddy in Rhythm of Life and Canadian Idol’s Aaron Walpole (back for his third production with Stage West this year) as Herman also spice up the mix.

Sweet Charity is a sweet escape for the holiday season. While not specifically holiday themed, it is an enjoyable night out whether as a couple, with friends, or a staff Christmas party. While not as flashy as some over-the-top spectacles that have become the Broadway show, the story itself holds true today – a story of ambition, yearning love, and living… hopefully… ever after.

Sweet Charity

November 22nd, 2007 – February 10th, 2008

www.stagewestcalgary.com

Tickets: (403) 243-6642