The title character in “Sweet Charity” is Charity Hope Valentine, a hopeful yet hapless dance hall hostess who’s just looking for love. As played by Molly Bell for Center REPertory Company in Walnut Creek, she’s lovable and irrepressible.
She’s also a terrific singer, dancer and actress as Charity finds herself in some unusual situations. Director Timothy Near has surrounded her with a cast of triple-threat performers who deliver songs by composer Cy Coleman and lyricist Dorothy Fields with high energy and precision dancing, thanks to choreographer Jennifer Perry.
Much of Perry’s choreography reflects the influence of the late Bob Fosse, who conceived, staged and choreographed the original 1966 Broadway production starring Gwen Verdon. He also directed and choreographed the 1969 film starring Shirley MacLaine.
This stage production is more satisfying than the film in part because Bell has an air of naivete that’s more suited for the title role and in part because the final scenes are clearer about the motivation of Charity’s latest boyfriend, Oscar (Keith Pinto).
Moreover, the film feels bloated at times, whereas everything in this stage production stems logically from the characters and Neil Simon’s book.
The first act introduces Charity as a sunny but overly generous young woman who is literally dumped by a boyfriend.
Next comes the memorable “Big Spender,” performed by Charity’s jaded dance hall colleagues, including her two best friends, Helene (Brittany Danielle and Nickie (Alison Ewing).
The entire company is featured in production numbers like “Rich Man’s Frug” and “The Rhythm of Life,” the latter featuring James Monroe Iglehart as religious leader Daddy Brubeck.
Some of Bell’s more memorable moments come in “If My Friends Could See Me Now” and “Where Am I Going.”
Bell, Danielle and Ewing team up for the emphatic “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This.”
Other featured performers are Colin Thomson as Herman, the dance hall boss, and Noel Anthony as Vittorio, an Italian movie star.
Complemented by Kurt Landisman’s lighting, Annie Smart’s set design helps to keep the action flowing smoothly. Christine Crook designed the eye-catching costumes.
All elements of this show add up to a thoroughly entertaining evening that’s well worth the trip to Walnut Creek.
“Sweet Charity” continues at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, through June 22. For tickets and information, call (925) 943-7469 or visit www.CenterREP.org.
