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The evolution of Sweet Charity

Based on the Federico Fellini screenplay for Nights of Cambira, Bob Fosse created the stage version of Sweet Charity as a star vehicle for his wife, Gwen Verdon. In 1966, Sweet Charity opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre and ran for 603 performances.

Director/Choreographer Bob Fosse won the Tony Award for "Best Choreography" and earned nominations in 7 more categories including "Best Musical" for Sweet Charity.

In 1986 and 2005, Sweet Charity was revived on Broadway garnering 4 more Tony Awards, 2 Drama Desk Awards and the 2005 Theatre World Award for Christina Applegate (Charity). In 1988 and 2009, Sweet Charity was revived in London's West End, along with eight other countries. 

A film version of the stage musical starring Shirley MacLaine (as Charity) premiered in 1969, also directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. Despite her extensive dance training, some reviewers found Shirley MacLaine the weaker dancer compared to Verdon. The film's producers also made major changes to the classic musical score and reviews were mixed. The film received three Academy Award nominations, but no wins. It received one Golden Globe nomination for Shirley MacLaine as Best Motion Picture Actress - Musical/Comedy.

Soon after, Fosse won an Academy Award for "Best Direction" for the film version of Cabaret. MacLaine went on to become one of the most successful American actresses of our time. Currently, she can be seen on the PBS Series, Downton Abbey as Martha Levinson and in new film version of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

This performance of Sweet Charity is a collaboration of Barton Community College Music, Theatre and Dance Departments. It is supported entirely by your contributions and ticket purchases. We thank you for supporting the Performing Arts in our community.

Barton Performing Arts is happy to present to you this classic musical comedy. We hope you enjoy the performance.