North Central News

Students stage the tender, funny musical “Sweet Charity” Nov. 9-12

Oct 27, 2017

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]

The production team is:
Director: Jacob Harvey, artistic director of Greenhouse Theater Center, Chicago
Producer: Carin Silkaitis, associate professor of theatre
Music director: Kevin Disch, guest artist
Choreographer: Genna Walden, adjunct instructor of theatre
Assistant director: Kellyn Maguire of Downers Grove, a senior majoring in theatre and sociology
Stage manager: Stephen Kossak of Somonauk, a 2017 alumnus, majored in theatre and theatrical design and technology 
Assistant stage manager: Tommy Varela of Ketchikan Ala., a junior majoring in a junior majoring in interactive media studies, and Nick Horky of Sun Prairie, Wis., a freshman
Scenic designer: Lizzie Bracken, guest artist
Lighting designer: Will Coeur, half-time assistant professor of theatre
Sound designer/systems technician: Andrew Butler, facility manager and technical director
Costume designer: Julane Sullivan, guest artist
Hair/makeup designer: Alexandra Wilkin of Aurora, a sophomore majoring in music education and secondary education

North Central College offers majors in theatre, musical theatre, theatrical design and technology, and a minor in dance. Students of all majors can participate in musical and nonmusical performances, actor showcases and one-act plays and performances in the College’s four theatre venues. Full-time professors and active professionals who are artist-teachers serve as faculty.

[photo, from left: Director Jacob Harvey works with Bridget Adams-King ’19 as Nicki, Lauren Smith ’21 as Charity]