Allegro seek big spenders for Sweet Charity
Director and MD posts open at Edinburgh musicals company
Original Broadway Cast Recording of Sweet Charity
By Thom Dibdin
Allegro, the Edinburgh-based amateur musical theatre society, are accepting applications for a Director and Musical Director for their forthcoming production of Sweet Charity.
The production is due to play the Church Hill Theatre, from 15 to 19 October 2013, with rehearsals starting in late May. A remuneration will be available.
The original production of Sweet Charity opened on Broadway in 1966. It saw veteran lyricist Dorothy Fields teaming up with younger composer Cy Coleman. Neil Simon’s book used the screenplay for a Fellini’s 1957 black and white movie, Le Notti di Cabiria (Nights of Cabiria)
The musical is probably best known for the number Big Spender, immortalised by Shirley Bassey but never really bettered for its simplicity and troubled tension than in the 1969 film of the musical. Staring Shirley MacLaine the film, like the original, was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.
Other big tunes include Rich Mans Frug, Rhythm of Life and If My Friends Could See Me Now.
For his book, Simon changed the lead character’s profession from prostitute to dance hall “hostess” and her area of trade from the outskirts of Rome to the Fan-Dango Ballroom, a Times Square dance-hall. While Cabiria became Charity Hope Valentine.
Allegro was formed in 1977 from the then Barclay Bruntsfield Drama Group. The intention of the company was to “bring lesser known or rarely performed musicals to the attention of audiences for amateur theatre in Edinburgh”. This will be the third time Allegro has done Sweet Charity, with previous productions in 1979 and 1999.
Rehearsals for Allegro’s 2013 production are due start late May or early June. Rehearsal nights will be Mondays and some Thursdays at the Bruntsfield Evangelical Church, Bruntsfield.
Anyone interested in the posts of Director or Musical Director should email a CV – or a request for more information – to info@allegromusical.co.uk.
Closing date for applications is Tuesday 12 February 2013.
Allegro website: www.allegromusical.co.uk
Amazon link to purchase the original broadway cast recording: Sweet Charity – Original Broadway Cast
Amazon link to purchase the Fillini film on which Sweet Charity is based: Le Notti di Cabiria (Nights of Cabiria)
Amazon link to purchase the 1969 movie of the musical: Sweet Charity (DVD)
ENDS
