With spring's arrival there seems to have been a resurgence of energy and creativity at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre; producer Kyle DeSantis and artistic director William Osetek have breathed new life into the reliable west suburban theatre venue. The end product is Jim Conti's joyous, wonderfully directed production of the Cy Coleman/Neil Simon musical classic, which remains both faithful to the original and yet reinvented for today's audiences.
Summer Naomi Smart, fresh from her portrayal of Nessarose in Chicago's long run of "Wicked," handles the title role with verve and confidence, providing just enough of the whimsy that made Gwen Verdon's original Charity Hope Valentine so beguiling. Ms. Smart's singing and high-energy dancing appear effortless, as does that of this entire cast of professionals.
In an unusual bit of economical casting, capable Nicholas Foster plays both leading male roles: the romantic Italian film star Vittorio Vidal and Charity's shy boyfriend Oscar. He pulls off both parts quite well, with his charming, average-guy Oscar being the stronger of the two. Ericka Mac and Vanessa Panerosa play Helene and Nickie, Charity's saucy best friends and co-workers at the Fandango Dance Hall, with a kind of sexy street sense.
The real highlights of this production are, without a doubt, the superb dance numbers. Bob Fosse's brilliant choreography has been recreated here by talented veteran Mitzi Hamilton. Numbers that particularly stand out include "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This," "Rhythm of Life," "If My Friends Could See Me Now" and the rousing "I'm a Brass Band." Then there's the delightful "Rich Man's Frug," a three-part tribute to wealthy Manhattan society snobs and all those dances of the '60s inspired by almost anything. And, even though not technically a dance, "Hey, Big Spender" is sleazy, powerful and delivered right to the front rows.
The psychedelic, op-art essence of the '60s is nicely captured by Brian Sidney Bembridge's multi-location set designs (complete with a runway), and Tatjana Radisic's hot, beaded costumes simply shout "1966!" And what a joy it is to have Tom Sivak's brilliant, live nine-piece orchestra blasting Coleman's delectable, brass heavy score just inches away from the audience. This "Charity" is truly sweet.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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