Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Opening nights are always accompanied by so much pressure, especially if something is in the air and many actors are affected by it. A wonderful story of a lovely young girl who is desperately looking for love, but unfortunately as many know – that true love is not that easy to be found. This universal storyline carries many young girls who are endlessly searching for escape , either from the situation at home or perhaps from some immersive Burlesque brothel and the Fandango Ballroom where they don’t feel they belong to. The young innocent girl by the name of Charity, delightfully portrayed by Kasey Hentz, is full of hope, vulnerability and enthusiasm, and continues dreaming of her escape into the world of love and happiness. And that almost happened, if the boy Oscar, so wonderfully portrayed by Tom Sys, just didn’t have his own insecurities. Charity and Oscar play off each other well, and the physical embodiment connected to the emotional truth of the characters are the main driving forces.
Produced by Jeremy Lucas, JD Morabito & Colin Tracy, the iconic musical SWEET CHARITY opened at Jaxx Theatricals, that intimate and intriguing theatre space where many miracle productions are taking place. ‘You will see that Cy Coleman’s tunes, Neil Simon’s script, Dorothy Fields’ lyrics and Bob Fosse’s influence are reason enough Sweet Charity is so deserving of a 60th anniversary revival’, says Director and Choreographer Jeremy Lucas, who is also Jaxx’s Co-Founder, Artistic Director & Cultural Arts Envoy @ U.S. Embassies around the world. With many prestigious Awards under his belt, he leads this production, based on Frederico Fellini’s 1957 Italian film, Nights of Cabiria (Le Notti di Cabiria), with its talented cast into another exciting success. Among a wonderful cast, the special atmosphere is created by JD Morabito and his body movements and flexibility during dance sequences, which draw the attention. Also, Amor Christensen is shining as Daddy Brubeck/Frenchy, Aryiel Hartman as Mme. Herman and Jill Marie Burke as Ursula & Brian Whisenant as Vittorio Vidal. Ai Yamato as Helene, Natalie Reff as Nickie and the rest of the cast are; Geneveive Grey, Charlotte Nevin, Juliana DeSilva, Sofia Gutierrez, Anna Gagliardo, Taylor Bailey, Brenan Eckberg, KiSea Katikka, Eliis Meng, Andrew Sear and Kyler Wells.
The simple and effective Scenic design is created by Colin Tracy, where musicians are part of the scene this time, positioned behind the transparent curtain, which gives us an opportunity to watch the musicians perform their magical instruments. Music is directed and conducted by James Lent. The sensual and super sexy costumes are well put together by AnaRosa Cortes, Jeremy Lucas, Keny Marine & JD Morabito. Lighting design by Atticus Jones and the Make-up artist is Jeanne Mare Raubenheimer.
SWEET CHARITY opened at JAXX Theatre, 5432 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, on March 20th and runs March 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, & 29. Thursday, Friday & Saturday shows are at 8PM. Sunday shows at 7PM. Duration of the show is 2 hours 30 minutes (including one 15-minute intermission). Parking is recommended at 1110 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029.
To purchase tickets go to www.JaxxTheatricals.TicketSpice.com/Sweet-Charity
JAXX theatre space is also used for birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor/ette parties, and special occasions. It is also a conservatory, open to students ages 8-18. For more information visit www.JaxxTheatricals.org/Conservatory or go to www.JaxxTheatricals.org
NOTE TO MEDIA: Press Comps are extremely limited. Please request early.
For Press Tickets contact Publicity-Sandra Kuker PR at SJKukerPR@gmail.com