FIRST LOOK: NIKKI GIL & KRIS LAWRENCE AS THE LEADS IN SWEET CHARITY

SWEET CHARITY

“Do you wanna have fun? A few laughs ? And a good time ? “ 

Prepare yourselves as the spirit of the 60’s set in a night club in Manhattan will come to life this coming August as 9 Works Theatrical proudly presents Broadway’s most sensational spectacle and critically-acclaimed dance comedy musical  “SWEET CHARITY.”

Like vintage champagne, “SWEET CHARITY” shall pop its cork to become one of the bubbliest, frothiest and happiest musical treats Manila will experience. 

“ SWEET CHARITY ” (book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and conceived, staged and choreographed by Bob Fosse whose name is synonymous to “ All That Jazz,” and “ Chicago”) is about a taxi dancer’s adventures and misadventures in the ways of love and who always gives her heart, and her earnings, to the wrong man. 

“ SWEET CHARITY ” was originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse when it premiered on Broadway in 1966. With over 600 performances, the production won the Tony Award for Best Choreography in the same year before opening in London a year later. A 1969 film version starred Shirley MacLaine. A Broadway revival in 2005 featured Christine Applegate.

Giving life to the different characters in “ SWEET CHARITY ” that promises a lot of zip, zest and real energy are a mix of the country’s well-seasoned actors and talented young artists in the field of entertainment and dance.

As the lead character, Charity Hope Valentine is a kooky, feisty, punchy and a bubbly dance hall hostess in New York who has been used and dumped by a succession of distinctly uncharitable men, but who hasn’t stopped hoping for a happy ending. With her “loveable childlike” persona, Charity embodies the hopelessly gullible and sentimental woman who will sing and dance with her dancehall posse.  Audiences can expect the unexpected as she unleashes her dynamite – legs, frills, lipstick, and a performance that will be full of vitality, pathos and verve.

Playing the role of Charity is Nikki Gil, who was an ingénue eight years ago when she first appeared in a soft drink commercial and rose to fame as she honed her talents in song and dance. As a mainstay host and artist of “ASAP Live ” on ABS-CBN, Nikki’s foray into theatre included a lead role as Elle Woods in the local production of the musical “ Legally Blonde ” produced in 2010.  

Kris Lawrence plays Oscar Lindquist, a claustrophobic, wimpy nervous man who Charity befriends in a stalled elevator. A neurotic tax accountant by profession, hopefully, he shall give Sweet Charity the love she has longed for. From winning a local singing talent search a few years back, Kris has become one of the young breed of soul artists and has recently released his album “Moments of Love.”  His regular TV show is on GMA-7’s “Party Pilipinas.” Landing a role in “Sweet Charity” is a dream come true.

The artistic team of “ SWEET CHARITY ” is led by Director Robbie Guevara, Assistant Director Lorenz Martinez, Joseph Tolentino, Musical Director (Band), Mio Infante, Scenographer; Martin Esteva, Lighting Designer;  Mio Infante and Hanna de los Reyes as Costume Designers. 

The “ SWEET CHARITY ” production team is composed of: Santi Santamaria, executive producer; Anna Santamaria, company manager; Toff de Venecia, Marketing & PR Director; Toots Tolentino, PR Consultant; Jonjon Martin, PR Manager; Sunshine Domine, Production Manager; and Aries Alcayaga, Stage Manager. 

“ SWEET CHARITY ” will open on August 5 and will perform all weekends at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. A limited number of performances are NOW available for fundraising and block-buying. Please call 557-5860, 586-7105 or 0917-5545560 or email info@9workstheatrical.com for more info.

“ SWEET CHARITY” is presented by 9 Works Theatrical. Major Partners include The Rockwell Club; and Member’s Only Bar and Lounge as Participating Partner. 

“ SWEET CHARITY ” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) 421 West 54th Street, New York, New York 10019 Tel.: (212) 541-4684 • www.mtishows.com

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