The musical follows a happy-go-lucky dancer who is looking for love in ’60s New York
CINCINNATI, OH — UC College-Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) Musical Theatre program opens its 2023-24 season with SWEET CHARITY, a zany romp through the ups-and-downs of the life of a dance hall hostess in New York City. The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1966 and was later adapted into a movie starring Shirley MacLaine, runs September 28-30, 2023, in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.
Charity Hope Valentine’s name gives it all away: she’s a kind-hearted, optimistic dance-partner for-hire, and despite a string of bad luck in love, she never gives up hope that she’ll find her special someone. While her fellow dancers have a more jaded outlook, Charity never loses her chipper demeanor as she sings and dances her way through the highlife and lowlife of 1960s New York. After a series of bad boyfriends and glamorous dates, a chance encounter with a neurotic accountant named Oscar could just be her ticket to happy ever after.
The original production was directed by the legendary Bob Fosse, and starred his wife and muse, Gwen Verdon. Beloved for its music by Cy Coleman, the show also features lyrics by Dorothy Fields and a clever book by famed playwright Neil Simon. Iconic song and dance numbers like “Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now” earned the production nine Tony nominations and a win for Fosse’s choreography.
“I love the music and the style of the show,” says director Diane Lala. The set, designed by alumni guest artist Joshua Gallagher (MFA Stage Design, ’21), “is reminiscent of 1960s variety shows,” she continues. “It is very colorful.”
The musical, full of laughs and show-stopping dance numbers, is brought to life on stage with performances and designs by CCM’s students, faculty and staff. “Our cast is amazing,” remarks Lala. “As always, our students are positive, hard-working and full of energy.”
View our digital program to learn more about the cast and creative team for CCM’s production.
CCM Musical Theatre presents Sweet Charity on Sept. 28-30, 2023, at Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.
Event Details:
SWEET CHARITY
Book by Neil Simon
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini.
Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano
Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano
Produced for the Broadway stage by Fryer, Carr and Harris
Conceived, Staged and Choreographed by Bob Fosse
SWEET CHARITY is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of TamsWitmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com
Performance Times
- 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
- 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
- 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
- Estimated run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, plus a 15-minute intermission
Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets: $36 adult, $20 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student;
group discounts available.
Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier! Purchase your tickets:
CCM’s Box Office hours are Tue-Fri from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu.
Learn about additional ticket options for current UC students.
Directions and Parking
CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.
Parking is available in UC’s CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations will become cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.
CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC’s CCM Garage.
For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.
A preeminent institution for the performing and media arts, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the largest single source of performing arts presentations in the state of Ohio. All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit us online at https://ccm.uc.edu.
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