Sweet Charity hits the stage

By Kelly Goddard | gargoyle@flagler.edu

There is a sweet attraction hitting the stage of the Flagler College Auditorium. Directed by Phyllis Gibbs with musical direction by Curtis Powell and design by Britt Corry, the timeless musical “Sweet Charity” is sure to sweep you off of your feet.

Flagler College theatre students do not disappoint. This production has been in the making since the second week of classes—in which it was full cast by the end of that week. Rehearsals typically run from 6-9 p.m.

However during Tech Week, called “Hell Week” by cast members, rehearsals begin at 6 p.m. and run until nearly midnight. Many students bring their laptops to rehearsals in order to balance homework back stage.

“The struggle is real,” said Samantha Stump, a junior at Flagler College.

Stump is handling the public relations aspect of the show alongside of a few cast members. She is also one of the Fandango Ballroom dancers.

Keith Comley, a junior at Flagler College and the assistant director of “Sweet Charity”, explained how in two to three months, students ranging from freshman to senior standing all come together to make something great.

“It really is a group effort,” said Comley. “Teamwork is one of the most important parts of this process.”

Stump could not agree more.

“I am very impressed with the level that everyone has managed to balance everything out to put 100% more into everything they are doing,” Stump said.

Micah Laird, a senior who plays the lead role of Oscar, spends the majority of his time in the theatre.

“In my free time I am either rehearsing lines or grabbing food while I can…” said Laird, “We all spend a lot of our time in theatre department and it really shows because this is where we like to spend our time.”

Sweet Charity occurs every other year at Flagler College but has a renowned history of its own. The original musical has been revived several times on Broadway and carries nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Costume Design and Best Choreography. It is known for its unique, hard to replicate Fosse style of dance—named after Director and Choreographer Bob Fosse.

“Sweet Charity” is the story of a girl, as told through a 1960’s themed musical. Charity, who works among jaded dancers in the Fandango ballroom, is determined to stray away from her ballroom standing and find love. Although she did not have the best of luck with past relationships, her disheartened outlook leads her to meet Oscar through a series of events. After asking Charity on a date, the two to fall in love and the journey follows Charity’s attempts to leave her past behind her.

“There are always a variety of feelings before the show,” explained Comley, “but as you get closer to the show it’s magical.”

Comley, as well as the rest of the cast like to believe that it is the theatre gods who have spoken as they pull together as a team and make magic happen every night. Each student involved is familiar with all aspects that theatre entails.

Jennifer London, a sophomore, and the stage manager chose Flagler College mainly for the impressive theatre program.

“The Flagler College Theatre Program is established in a way that you are expected to do everything; it’s a well-rounded experience,” said London.

All of their hard work and knowledge in the field has truly paid off during the final week of “Sweet Charity”. London, along with Samantha Grassano, a junior and the assistant stage manager, anticipate excitement as lights hit the stage on Friday.

“I have faith in the actors and that they know what they are doing,” said Grassano.

In the end, Laird says the process is rewarding.

“It makes it all worth it, when you realize everything has finally come together,” Laird said. “It is a truly proud moment.”

“Sweet Charity” will run from November 1st-3rd at the Lewis Auditorium of Flagler College. Tickets are available at the Box Office with hours from noon to five Monday through Friday. To reserve over the phone, call (904) 826-8600. Tickets are $20.00 and all seats are reserved.

Do not miss out on this unique show. Reserve your seat for “Sweet Charity” today!