Surfside Playhouse promises fun, laughs, good times with 'Sweet Charity'

Surfside Playhouse is ready to transport audiences back to the swinging '60s with their upcoming production of the classic musical, "Sweet Charity." The show opens Friday, March 1 for a run through March 17.

"Sweet Charity" boasts a score by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and a book by Neil Simon. Premiering on Broadway in 1966, the show quickly became a hit, charming audiences with its infectious energy and memorable tunes. Set in the 1960s, the story follows the misadventures of Charity Hope Valentine, a plucky dance hall hostess with a heart of gold and a knack for falling in love with the wrong men.

"Sweet Charity" was a late addition to Surfside's season, replacing the musical "Kiss Me, Kate."

"The decision to change shows was very hard to make," director Bryan Bergeron said. "It boils down to the complexities of the casting process. We could move forward with a mediocre production of 'Kiss Me Kate' or put on a truly stellar production of 'Sweet Charity.'"

"We chose the latter, and boy was this the right decision," he said. "This show will be dynamite on Surfside’s intimate stage."

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At the heart of the musical is Charity, a dance hall hostess with an indomitable spirit, famously portrayed by Gwen Verdon in the original Broadway cast and Shirley MacLaine in the film adaptation. Sarah Lawrence Smith takes on the role in Surfside's production.

"Sarah Lawrence Smith is the perfect Charity," Bergeron said. "She possesses a deep understanding of the fragile nature of a young woman coping with the underbelly of city life in the sixties."

The supporting cast brings their own flair to the eclectic characters populating Charity's world. Caitlin Reedy and Deborah Thornton play her sassy and street-smart pals Nickie and Helene, while Erik Boritzki plays the suave Oscar Lindquist.

"Erik Boritzki’s hilarious portrayal of the eccentric Oscar Lindquist nails home the reality that everyone is trying to find love in what we affectionately call 'the rat race,'" Bergeron said.

Choreographer Suzanne Childers began the rehearsal process for “Sweet Charity” with a Fosse workshop to teach dancers the signature style.

"Having a few trained dancers to work with in this show has been a gift," Childers said. "I am very happy with the dances I have created for 'Sweet Charity' as I have stayed true to Fosse’s style while re-imagining some of the movement to enable our community actors to shine.”

Costume designer Renee Dameron is celebrating the '60s through fashion.

"We are able to feature mod fashion, avant-garde, hippies and the end of the dominance of the 'great renunciation' of men's fashion," Dameron said. "We've had a blast putting these looks together, and hope you might attend wearing your favorite 60s look.”

Will Charity finally find the love and happiness she so desperately seeks? Will she learn to trust again after so many heartbreaks? Bergeron believes audiences will enjoy the journey through the ups and downs of love and the pursuit of dreams.

"The show is clever and very funny, which one would expect from playwright Neil Simon," said director Bryan Bergeron. "We guarantee 'fun, laughs, good times.'"

If you go

'Sweet Charity'

Where: Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 17. There will also be a special Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on March 16.

Tickets: $28 for adults and $25 for students, seniors and military

Info: 321-783-3127

Website: surfsideplayhouse.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at [email protected].

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Fosse flair: 'Sweet Charity' at Surfside Playhouse