Sweet Charity

Musical

Writers: Neil Simon Cy Coleman Dorothy Fields Bob Fosse

Overview

Show Information

Book
Music
Conceived By
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Nights of Cabiria
Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1966
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Contemporary, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
1960s, New York City
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Heavy
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly female cast
Includes adult, young adult, child, early teen, late teen, mature adult, elderly characters

Synopsis

Sweet Charity follows the romantic trials and tribulations of Charity Hope Valentine, “a girl who wanted to be loved.” Charity is a taxi dancer, a dance partner-for-hire at a seedy dance hall in New York City. Though the job may be decidedly undesirable, Charity’s hopeful romanticism and unfailing optimism lift her out of her circumstances and help her reach for a life beyond. In the past, she’s been strung along and hung out to dry by a series of bad relationships and lousier men. When she meets Oscar, a neurotic, shy actuary seemingly from another world, will she finally find true love at last? One of the most famous shows by legendary director/choreographer Bob Fosse and with a laugh-a-minute script by the incomparable Neil Simon, every audience is destined to fall in love with Charity’s limitless spirit, as she lives life “hopefully ever after.”

Lead Characters


Sweet Charity guide sections