North Central College presents “Sweet Charity,” a Broadway musical with book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields Nov. 9-12.
Nominated for nine Tony Awards in its debut year 1966, “Sweet Charity” follows the ever-optimistic Charity Valentine, a dancer at the seedy Fandango Ballroom in New York City. Despite a comically misfortunate love life, Charity remains hopeful she will find happiness outside the confines of the dance hall.
The student cast is under the direction of Chicago’s Greenhouse Theater Center’s Artistic Director Jacob Harvey.
“‘Sweet Charity’ is a timely story about looking for love despite the sometimes-stifling realities of modern life,” said Harvey. “In a world that continually attempts to negate a woman’s power, this musical tells the story of Charity and her unwillingness to cease her quest for love and power over her own destiny.”
Four performances will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9-11 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 12 in North Central’s Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/students and seniors; call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/performance.
The cast is (role, name, town, year, major):
Charity: Lauren Smith of Mount Horeb, Wis., a freshman majoring in music performance
Oscar: Jake Elkins of Aurora, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Herman: Caleb Swick of Wilmington, Ill, a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Vittorio: Nico Salazar of Racine, Wis., a junior majoring in psychology
Ursula: Maria Clara Ospina of Somonauk, a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Daddy: Ben Paynic of Downers Grove, a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Nicki: Bridget Adams-King of Western Springs, a junior majoring in musical theatre
Helene: Carter Rose Sherman of Overland Park, Kan., a sophomore majoring in theatre
Carmen/Daddy’s Assistant 1: Abby Boegh of Jenks, Okla., a senior majoring in musical theatre
Lead Frog Dancer: Sara Zgonina of Elmhurst, a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Girl/Daddy’s Assistant 2: Miranda Keating of Sun Prairie, Wis., a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Second Woman/Waitress: Jane Hoshell of Naperville, a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Betsy/Rosie: Kira Savegnago of Wheaton, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Manfred/Woman Panhandler: Lexii Gravis of Montgomery, a junior majoring in musical theatre and organizational communication
Second Woman Panhandler/First Woman/Alice: Sarah Irene Rosenberg of Arlington Heights, a junior majoring in Spanish and theatre
First Cop/Doorman: Nathan Calaranan of Chicago, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Marvin/Second Man Panhandler: Danny Ackman of Romeoville, a freshman majoring in choral music education and secondary education
Charlie/Man/John S: Reese Clostermery of Cottage Grove, Wis., a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Second Cop/Man Panhandler/Young Man: Curtis Jewell of Monroe, Mich., a freshman majoring in musical theatre
[photo, below, from left: Bridget Adams-King ’19 as Nicki, Lauren Smith ’21 as Charity, Carter Sherman ’19 as Helene]
