Delivered by Prospero Arts at the Concert Hall, QPAC
“Sweet Charity” is a 1960s classic musical that introduced tunes we all know and love: “Hey Big Spender”, “If My Friends Could See Me Now” and “Rhythm of Life”. Music was composed by Cy Coleman, with the Lyrics by Dorothy Fields. Neil Simon wrote the script based on the 1957 screenplay for the 1957 Italian film “Nights of Cabiria”.
Prospero Arts and QPAC presented “Sweet Charity” as a singing and dancing musical supported by a 16-piece band. The backdrops on the screen above the stage worked.
Loren Hunter shone as Charity Hope Valentine. She is made for musicals with her great big smile that could run an electrical grid. Others in the cast provided superb harmonies and entrancing dance numbers.
Cameron Mitchell choreographed the show. Michael Tyack directed the show. For those dedicated to “Sweet Charity” you’d have found echoes of the original show on Broadway.
One of the early shows to have a realistic rather than a happy ending, “Sweet Charity” is as relevant today as it was in the 1960s.
Superb performance, and the audience rose to their feet in thanks. There was a lot of happy people who left the Concert Hall that night. I’m looking forward to Prospero Arts 2026 programme.
Photo (c) Brit Mobbs
Kerry McGovern
