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| Verity Hunt-Ballard as Charity Hope Valentine |
Canberra
Theatre Playhouse until 22nd February.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
Dean
Bryant’s brilliant combination of smoke
and mirrors, and smoking hot talent, make an
intoxicating blend in this sizzling new, much awarded, production of Cy Coleman’s popular musical
which had its Canberra premiere in the Canberra Theatre Playhouse last night.
Thanks to
clever design by Owen Phillips (set) and Tim Chappel (costumes) the hard
working ensemble rarely leave the stage as they effortlessly change characters
and costumes to transport the audience through seedy dance halls, swanky
hotels, claustrophobic lifts, even ferris wheels, to tell the story of a
damaged, but never daunted, dance hall hostess, Charity Hope Valentine, who
enthusiastically subscribes to the religion of love. Bryant’s inspired concept transports the musical into the present day without losing any of the integrity of the original production. Iconic set pieces like “The Rhythm of Life” and “I’m a Brass Band” receive surprising make-overs, enhanced by Andrew Hallsworth’s imaginative, frenetic choreography which pays tribute to Bob Fosse’s original, especially in show-stopping “Rich Man’s Frug”.
The role of
Charity Hope Valentine was a career defining role for Nancye Hayes in the
original Australian production. Nearly 50 years later, it will be the same for
Verity Hunt- Ballard whose performance is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Hunt-Ballard is a true clown, able to
effortlessly move from over-the-top physical comedy to heart-breaking pathos.
She is also a terrific dancer and an out-standing singer. Her Charity is a
unique creation and a performance to be relished.
She receives
terrific support from a chameleon cast, especially Martin Crews, outstanding as
Charity’s three lovers, the reticent Charlie, the suave Vittorio, and the
hopelessly shy Oscar. Deborah Krizak is quite wonderful as the hard-boiled
Nickie and the spoiled, demanding, Ursula, and even musical director, Andrew
Worboys, has a scene stealing moment as the pianist who “likes to cry at
weddings”.
If you see
only one show this year, make sure it’s “Sweet Charity”.
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| Verity Hunt-Ballard, (Charity), Kate Cole (Helene), Debora Krizak (Nickie) |
