“SWEET CHARITY” SET TO OPEN AUGUST 5
“Do you wanna have fun? A few laughs? And a good time? “
Prepare yourselves as the spirit of the 60’s set in a night club in Manhattan comes to life as 9 Works Theatrical proudly presents Broadway’s most sensational spectacle and critically-acclaimed dance comedy musical “SWEET CHARITY.”
Like vintage champagne, “SWEET CHARITY” shall pop its cork set on August 5, 2011 – 8 p.m. at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Makati City, to become one of the bubbliest, frothiest and happiest musical treats Manila will experience.
“ SWEET CHARITY ” (book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and conceived, staged and choreographed by Bob Fosse whose name is synonymous to “ All That Jazz,” and “ Chicago”) is about a taxi dancer’s adventures and misadventures in the ways of love and who always gives her heart, and her earnings, to the wrong man.
“ SWEET CHARITY ” was originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse when it premiered on Broadway in 1966. With over 600 performances, the production won the Tony Award for Best Choreography in the same year before opening in London a year later. A 1969 film version starred Shirley MacLaine. A Broadway revival in 2005 featured Christine Applegate.
“ SWEET CHARITY ” follows the misadventures of dance-hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine, a woman who believes in that swoony, goopy, look into your eyes forever kind of love. In a desperate attempt to find Mr. Right, she always ends up giving her heart and her dreams to the wrong man.
According to Robbie Guevara who is directing Sweet Charity,“ This is one production that is a musical in every sense of the word. It's a dancing show, too, with great opportunity for use of dramatic movement. And with Cy Coleman’s rhythms and sounds, and Dorothy Fields’ vernacular fun of 1960’s New York, there will be all-time great show-stopping numbers that will really sizzle. Above all, it’s going to be fun.”
Cy Coleman's music has jazzy and blues influence as well as inspiring ballads, featuring such hits as “ Hey, Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now ” and “ The Rhythm of Life. ” The techno, percussion orchestrations tie in beautifully with Dorothy Field's lively and witty lyrics. And with a pit orchestra under Musical Director and Conductor Joseph Tolentino and Musical Director for Vocals Sweet Plantado, expect the musical’s stupendous jazzy score to be delivered with flair.
Giving life to the different characters in “ SWEET CHARITY ” that promises a lot of zip, zest and real energy are a mix of the country’s well-seasoned actors and talented young artists in the field of entertainment and dance.
NIKKI GIL plays Charity Hope Valentine, a kooky, feisty, punchy and a bubbly dance hall hostess in New York who has been used and dumped by a succession of distinctly uncharitable men, but who hasn’t stopped hoping for a happy ending. As a mainstay host and artist of “ASAP Live ” and “E-Live” on ABS-CBN and a VJ for MYX, Nikki’s foray into theatre included a lead role as Elle Woods in the local production of the musical “ Legally Blonde ” produced in 2010. Audiences can expect the unexpected as she unleashes her dynamite – legs, frills, lipstick, and a performance that will be full of vitality, pathos and verve.
KRIS LAWRENCE plays Oscar Lindquist, a claustrophobic, wimpy nervous man who Charity befriends in a stalled elevator. A neurotic tax accountant by profession, hopefully, he shall give Sweet Charity the love she has longed for. From winning a local singing talent search a few years back, Kris has become one of the young breed of soul artists and has recently released his album “Moments of Love.” His regular TV show is on GMA-7’s “Party Pilipinas.”
SHIELA VALDERRAMA-MARTINEZ, who plays Nickie, one of Charity’s closest confidantes at the Fandango Ballroom, is one of the leading ladies of Philippine theatre today. She has appeared in various productions here and abroad which include Hong Kong Disneyland’s “The Golden Mickeys,” “Cinderella”, and 9 Works Theatrical’s hit show, “The Wedding Singer” as Julia Guglia.
CIARA SOTTO, who plays Helene, another close confidante of Charity’s, is one of the country’s top-rated artists. Her recent role as Mimi in the 9 Works production of “ RENT ” last February marked her stamp as a stalwart both in acting and dancing. She also appeared in “Magsimula Ka” at the Music Museum in 2010.
SHEREE BAUTISTA plays Carmen, one of Charity’s co-dancers. A TV personality who ventured into the musical theatre scene, her role as Mimi in the recently-concluded rock musical “ RENT ” has proven that indeed, her musical artistry was well-received by the press and audiences alike.
MIGUEL FAUSTMANN plays Herman, the authoritarian owner of the Fandango Ballroom and Charity's boss. As Philippine theatre’s well-respected ‘man for all seasons,’ Miguel’s roster of roles he has portrayed for over 20 years in Repertory Philippines’ various productions firmly attests his stature as the ‘consummate artist.’
OJ MARIANO plays the dual role of Vittorio Vidal, the charming, egotistical and confident Italian film star, and Daddy Johann Sebastian Brubeck, the enigmatic leader of the Rhythm of Life Church. Originally a singer and concert performer, OJ’s luck came into a streak when he bagged the coveted role as Tom Collins in “RENT” last Febuary 2010. His highly-acclaimed moving performance prompted 9 Works Theatrical to cast him again for the same role in the re-runs of “RENT” last December 2010 and February 2011.
ANGELA PADILLA plays Ursala March, the melodramatic actress and Vittorio's girlfriend. Angela has been a resident actress of New Voice Company since 1996, having appeared in Aspects of Love, I Want to Make Magic, Save the Human, Wind in the Willows, and Into the Woods.
Joining the ensemble a mix and match of seasoned talents as well as up and coming actors in the industry. Notable actresses include Caisa Borromeo who returns to 9 Works Theatrical for this production of Sweet Charity after her critically acclaimed performance in Little Women, singer-actress, choreographer, and Party Pilipinas blocking director Chinie Nepomuceno, and prima dancers Vinia Pamplona and Carmelle Ros as dancehall hostesses opposite Charity. Also joining the cast are theater veteran Topper Fabregas, Job Bautista who was last seen as Angel in 9 Works Theatrical’s RENT, Francis Matheu who was the choreographer of 9 Works Theatrical’s THE WEDDING SINGER, Anthony Tarrosa Ong, Peter Alcedo and Chai Relucio.
The “ SWEET CHARITY ” artistic team is led by Robbie Guevara (Director), with Lorenz Martinez (Assistant Director), Joseph Tolentino (Musical Director – Pit Orchestra), Sweet Plantado (Musical Director – Vocals), Mio Infante (Scenographer), Martin Esteva (Lighting Designer), Mio Infante and Hanna De los Reyes (Costume Stylists and Designers), Dale Amon (Graphic Designer), and Roy Macam (Photographer).
The “ SWEET CHARITY ” production team is led by Santi Santamaria (Executive Producer), with Anna Santamaria (Company Manager); Toff de Venecia (Marketing & PR Director); Toots Tolentino (PR Consultant); Jonjon Martin (PR Manager); Carlos Canlas (HR Manager); Sunshine Domine (Production Manager); and Aries Alcayaga (Stage Manager).
“ SWEET CHARITY ” is the dance musical that promises nothing short of “ fun, laughs, good times ” to all theatergoers !!!! Don’t miss this Bob Fosse feel-good musical !!!!
A limited number of performances are available for fundraising and block-buying. Please call 557-5860, 586-7105 or 0917-5545560 or email info@9workstheatrical.com for more info.
“ SWEET CHARITY” is presented by 9 Works Theatrical in cooperation with The Rockwell Club. Made Possible with Make Up For Ever and Café Mediterranean. Also brought to you by Dusit Thani Manila and Chocolate Schubar. Media Partners include The Lifestyle Network, Velvet Channel, Metro Magazine, Maven Magazine, Business World and Focus Media Audiovisuals. With special participation of Movement Dance Studio and Opus.
“ SWEET CHARITY” runs from August 5 to 27, 2011. Fridays 8pm or 830pm, Saturday 330pm & 8pm, Sunday 4pm. Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City.
“ SWEET CHARITY ” is produced by, arrangement with, and the music and dialogue material furnished by TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC. Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Plaiano. Produced for the Broadway Stage by Fryer, Carr and Harris.
JUNE 28, 2011 "PRESSCON"
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