Sweet Charity (Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society)
Considering the major names like Cy Coleman, Bob Fosse and Neil Simon that are all connected to the various incarnations of the story of the 'girl who just wanted to be loved' its popularity for performance hasn't been widespread recently, perhaps due to the fact that the performances of Shirley MacLaine and Sammy Davis Jr in the 1969 Movie are so iconic but, Queensbridge MTS have decided to pick up the gauntlet and bring what is a very 60s vibe into the 2000s.
What makes this production a hit from beginning is an effervescent performance by Sarah Odom as Charity Hope Valentine, giving Miss MacLaine a run for her money and with an engaging personality that just exudes 'likeable' and has the audience on her side from the first note played by Stephen Greenway's orchestra.
Equally 'likeable' but, in a more reserved and endearing way is Sam Troke as Oscar Lindquist, he who coins the phrase 'Sweet Charity' and almost makes her dreams come true, only to lose his nerve at the last minute, a great piece of acting and a picture of anxiety and almost obsessive compulsion (I was even starting to feel edgy for him myself).
Despite the iconic nature of the Daddy Brubeck role, it is in fact one scene and one song which doesn't give the actor much time to make an impact, Cyril Ma however manages to leave a lasting impression as the spookily hypnotic jazz musician turned religious leader.
Providing some exceptional vocals as colleagues of Charity at the Fandango Club are Karina Harris as Nickie and Emily Fouracre as Helene, constantly in conflict with domineering club boss Herman, played by Erik Olsen.
Paul Stait provides some intense characterisation and Italian accent as film star Vittorio Vidal who finds himself taking-up with Charity in order to make his current girlfriend Ursula (a nice cameo performance from Michelle Farrugia) jealous, only to reunite and again leave Charity alone and frustrated.
Natalie Baines as Choreographer uses the complete cast and the full extent of the staging to produce some stunning dance compositions, highlighted by the Rich Man's Frug number and Leonie Jai Hamilton as Director has managed to mastermind an amazing rendition of what is a classic yet under-performed piece.
Running until Saturday 15th June 2019, why not transport yourself back to a more relaxed time, learn about the 'rhythm of life ' and get up, get out and get yourself a ticket !
Book Here
What makes this production a hit from beginning is an effervescent performance by Sarah Odom as Charity Hope Valentine, giving Miss MacLaine a run for her money and with an engaging personality that just exudes 'likeable' and has the audience on her side from the first note played by Stephen Greenway's orchestra.
Equally 'likeable' but, in a more reserved and endearing way is Sam Troke as Oscar Lindquist, he who coins the phrase 'Sweet Charity' and almost makes her dreams come true, only to lose his nerve at the last minute, a great piece of acting and a picture of anxiety and almost obsessive compulsion (I was even starting to feel edgy for him myself).
Despite the iconic nature of the Daddy Brubeck role, it is in fact one scene and one song which doesn't give the actor much time to make an impact, Cyril Ma however manages to leave a lasting impression as the spookily hypnotic jazz musician turned religious leader.
Providing some exceptional vocals as colleagues of Charity at the Fandango Club are Karina Harris as Nickie and Emily Fouracre as Helene, constantly in conflict with domineering club boss Herman, played by Erik Olsen.
Paul Stait provides some intense characterisation and Italian accent as film star Vittorio Vidal who finds himself taking-up with Charity in order to make his current girlfriend Ursula (a nice cameo performance from Michelle Farrugia) jealous, only to reunite and again leave Charity alone and frustrated.
Natalie Baines as Choreographer uses the complete cast and the full extent of the staging to produce some stunning dance compositions, highlighted by the Rich Man's Frug number and Leonie Jai Hamilton as Director has managed to mastermind an amazing rendition of what is a classic yet under-performed piece.
Running until Saturday 15th June 2019, why not transport yourself back to a more relaxed time, learn about the 'rhythm of life ' and get up, get out and get yourself a ticket !
Book Here
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