Join the Rhythm of Life in 9Works Theatrical Presentation of Sweet Charity

I never thought that this musical play can be that funny but still has the glam and beautiful story. I have to admit that this was the first time I saw Sweet Charity on stage in full and I really enjoy the music, the greatness of every scenes and dancing and of course the story itself. I was glad that 9Works Theatrical brings this musical comedy here in the Philippines and has the chance to see it. It will run until August 24, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City.

The story was simple for those who haven’t seen it. It was about a girl named Charity Hope Valentine who is working as taxi dancer at a dance hall called the Fandango Ballroom in New York City. Here in the Philippines it is commonly known as GRO. For a girl like here having this kind of job as bread and butter it is very hard for her to find someone who will take her seriously to the extend of marrying her. Until she met Oscar Lindquist when they were stuck in the elevator because of power failure, Oscar sees the beauty inside her which is beyond her work.

The story is really simple, but the way it was delivered was totally different along with the actors who did their role that is filled with passion. During the press conference when they showed some scenes of the play I was hesitant about some of the actors including Kris Lawrence who played Oscar, OJ Mariano and Nikki Gil that time was a little unease of what they were doing that time. But of course like what they always say save the best for last and yes I was totally blown away with their performance. Kris surprises me in his acting especially in the elevator scene that levels up with Nikki who played Charity. OJ did a great job after doing multiply roles like the Italian movie star Vittorio Vidal and Daddy Brubeck, the enigmatic leader of the Rhythm of Life Church. I though OJ was great in Rent as Collin  but when he did the solo on Too Many Tomorrows and he Rhythm Of Life it was totally wow in my reaction.

Of course Sweet Charity is known with the grand performance of ensembles where Big Spender and Rich Man’s Frug was so beautiful. After seeing Sheree’s performance here all I can say she has future in theater and looking forward to see her on future performances. And of course Nikki Gil from Legally Blonde, she really excels in her acting on stage and I really enjoyed her performance in If My Friends Could See Me Now and I’m The Bravest Individual (also the reprise version).

Complete cast of Sweet Charity includes Nikki Gil (Charity Hope Valentine),  Kris Lawrence (Oscar Lindquist), Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Ciara Sotto-Oconer (Nickie alternates), Sheree Vidal-Bautista (Carmen), Miguel Faustmann (Herman), OJ Mariano (Vittorio Vidal and Daddy Johann Sebastian Brubeck), and Tasy Garrucha (Ursala March). Sweet Charity also includes Caisa Borromeo, Chinie Nepomuceno, Vinia Pamplona, Carmelle Ros, Topper Fabregas, Job Bautista, Francis Matheu, Anthony Tarrosa Ong, Peter Alcedo and Chai Relucio.

The creative team of 9 Works Theatrical production of Sweet Charity includes 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.

9Works did a wonderful job in bringing Sweet Charity in the Philippines, the stage was great, and the music and I love those fosse dance move they did. So for those who wanted to see Sweet Charity it will run until August 24 in Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City. For tickets and reservation call 557-5860, 586-7105 or 0917-5545560 or email info@9workstheatrical.com.