SWEET CHARITY

BOOK: NEIL SIMON MUSIC: CY COLEMAN LYRICS: DOROTHY FIELDS

10 - 14 JULY 2018 | GREAT HALL AT THE LEYS

INFORMATION PACK

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CONTENTSOfficial Overview ...............................................................2

Creative Team .....................................................................2

Director’s Vision ................................................................3

Cambridge Theatre Company ..................................... 4

Audition Dates ...................................................................5

Format of the Auditions .................................................5

Key dates and Performance dates .............................6

Rehearsal dates .................................................................6

Production fee ....................................................................6

Sweet Charity Characters ..............................................7

Monologues for Principal Auditions .........................9

Music for the Auditions ................................................. 15

CTC’s Priscilla Queen of the Desert

CTC’s Les Misérables School Edition

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OFFICIAL OVERVIEWSweet Charity follows the always poignant and often-funny misadventures in love encountered by

the gullible and guileless Charity Hope Valentine, the ever-hopeful taxi dancer who consistently gives

both her heart and her earnings to the wrong man. Charity sings, dances and cries her way through

a series of brief romances until she finds herself stuck in a lift with the shy, nervous Oscar Lindquist. 

Has Charity finally found her match?

The show sparkles with an iconic score by Cy Coleman and witty lyrics by Dorothy Fields

and features musical standards The Rhythm of Life, If My Friends Could See Me Now and the

unforgettable Big Spender.  

Join Cambridge Theatre Company for Sweet Charity, a classic musical in every sense of the word,

and spend a little time with Charity. 

SWEET CHARITY CREATIVE TEAM Director & Choreographer

David Mallabone

Musical Director

Paul Garner

Assistant Director

Samantha Billing

Produced by

Louis Ling

for Cambridge Theatre Company

CTC’s Goodnight Mister Tom CTC’s Les Misérables School Edition

2

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DIRECTOR’S VISION David Mallabone, Director 

I choreographed my first full production 24 years ago and in that

time I have choreographed or directed a variety of classic musicals

such as Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, Pippin and most recently,

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert for CTC. But in all this time I have

never revisited a show. Until now.

I first choreographed a production of Sweet Charity ten years

ago. The score is stunning and from the iconic opening bars of

the overture, which trumpet the unmistakable introduction to Big

Spender, the music is at the heart of this show. However, it is easy

to underestimate the power of the story. The tale of Charity Hope

Valentine, based on Fellini’s screenplay Nights of Cabiria, is by turns

funny, poignant, joyous and heart-breaking. Through it all, Charity

never loses her optimism and, whilst the audience can marvel at

her hope in the face of terrible adversity, she never loses sight of

that better future. I would like this CTC production of Sweet Charity

to really pull at the heartstrings of the audience and emphasise

the juxtaposition between Charity’s situation and her almost

eternal optimism. But I want us to show Charity’s humanity and

vulnerability – for me, she is not just a simple fool, which is an easy

way to play her, but one of life’s good guys who always tries to see

the best in people and in her situation. Often at her own expense.

Those who have worked with me before will know my devotion to

the work of Bob Fosse. For me, Fosse’s Rich Man’s Frug from the

film version remains one of the most sublime pieces of musical

theatre choreography it is possible to witness. So my vision is that

we can pay homage to the work of Fosse whilst producing our own

take on some of the best songs in musical theatre. Big Spender

provides an exciting challenge for any musical theatre performer.

There’s Got To Be Something Better Than This is fizzing with life and

energy, Big Spender is a musical piece of sardonic overview of the

dance hall business and The Rhythm of Life is a tour-de-force for

ensemble singing and staging.

Ultimately, I want the audience of CTC’s Sweet Charity to leave

the theatre having cheered, laughed and cried with Charity Hope

Valentine.

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CAMBRIDGE THEATRE COMPANYLouis Ling founded CTC in the Summer of 2015 and produced The Addams Family, Monty

Python’s Spamalot in 2016 at the ADC, and with Goodnight Mister Tom in the same year at

our new home, Great Hall at The Leys. In 2017, Louis programmed the season with Priscilla,

Queen of the Desert, Les Misérables School Edition, and James and the Giant Peach.

CTC is now working on producing it’s biggest season in 2018 with shows such as Sweet

Charity, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, West Side Story, Little Women and Roald Dahl’s The Twits.

CTC’s Priscilla Queen of the Desert

CTC’s Goodnight Mister Tom

CTC’s Les Misérables School Edition

CTC’s Priscilla Queen of the Desert

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INTRODUCTION EVENING & AUDITION DATES INTRODUCTION EVENINGCome and meet the team behind CTC next show, Sweet Charity

Sunday 17 December 2017 – 6.30-8pm  

Great Hall at The Leys (follow the signs for the Great Hall).

AUDITIONSFriday 26 January 2018 – 7.30pm - 10pm

CSVPA Dance Studios, Sturton Street, Cambridge CB1 2QG

(corner of New Street and Sturton Street)

Sunday 28 January 2018 - 6.30 - 9.30pm

Haslingfield Village Hall, New Rd, Haslingfield, Cambridge CB23 1JP

Tuesday 30 January 2018 – 6pm – 9.30pm

CSVPA Dance Studios, Sturton Street, Cambridge CB1 2QG

(corner of New Street and Sturton Street)

You’ll be sent a time for your individual audition about a week

before the audition date.

FORMAT OF THE AUDITIONSThe auditions will start with an introduction by the team. This will be

followed by a dance workshop led by David Mallabone. This will last

no more than 30 minutes.

After that, in timed audition slots, there will be individual singing

and acting auditions for the Ensemble and for Principals.

Please wear comfortable clothing for the audition.

If you have any questions regarding the level of movement

before the audition please contact, David Mallabone, at

auditions@camtheatrecompany.co.uk

A full rehearsal schedule will be sent out about 6 weeks before the

first rehearsal. It’s important to give us any dates for which you will

be unavailable.

Please indicate these on the audition form, which you’ll

hand in at your audition. This will assist us with preparing the

rehearsal schedule. To request an audition slot, email us at

auditions@camtheatrecompany.co.uk. Mention your preferred

audition session and whether you wish to audition for a principal

or ensemble role.

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KEY DATESREHEARSALSTuesday and Friday rehearsals will run

from 7:30 to 10:00pm with some Sunday

rehearsals during the day in Cambridge.

Rehearsal venue will be announced in due

course.

Monday 9 July

Dress Rehearsal, call at 6pm

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE APRIL MAY

Tue Fri Sun Tue Fri Sun

1 4

8 11

15 18 20

29 22 25

29

JUNE JULY

Tue Fri Sun Tue Fri Sun

1 3 1

5 8 3 6

12 15 17

19 22

26 29

PERFORMANCES Tuesday 10 July, 7.30pm (call at 6pm)

Wednesday 11 July, 7.30pm (call at 6pm)

Thursday 12 July, 7.30pm (call at 6pm)

Friday 13 July, 7.30pm (call at 6pm)

Saturday 14 July 2.30pm & 7.30pm (1pm call).

PRODUCTION FEE In Cambridge many groups charge a

production fee to assist with costs for

the production. This will be £45 for

Sweet Charity. This fee will also cover

a show shirt.  

Additionally we require all actors

to have a professional headshot

that will be used in the programme

and the marketing campaign.

The charge for this will be £35.

It can be used for future productions.

If you have one already which is

good quality, please send it to

office@camtheatrecompany.co.uk

for approval once you have been cast

in the show.  

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SWEET CHARITY CHARACTERS Please note that the ages listed just serve as a guide.  All roles are available and casting is open. Newcomers to Cambridge Theatre Company

are welcome and encouraged.  

PRINCIPALS (FEMALE):CHARITY HOPE VALENTINE LEAD. Playing age of 23 – 38. Mezzo soprano.

Very strong character actor with strong singing (able to sing a

variety of styles) and very strong dancing ability.

NICKIE

SUPPORTING. Playing age of 25 – 40. Mezzo soprano.

Strong character actor with good singing and very good dancing

ability.

HELENE

SUPPORTING. Playing age of 25 – 40. Mezzo soprano.

Strong character actor with good singing and very good dancing

ability.

URSULA

FEATURED. Playing age of 20 – 40. Spoken role.

Strong character actor with an ability to play comedy well and

portray a glamorous character. Could also play in the ensemble,

especially in Act 2.

PRINCIPALS (MALE):VITTORIO VIDAL / OSCAR LINDQUIST

LARGE SUPPORTING ROLE. Playing age of 25 – 40. Baritone.

Very strong actor with the ability to play varying roles. Strong

baritone singing voice able to sing a variety of styles.

DADDY JOHANN BRUBECK

SUPPORTING. Playing age of 20 – 50. Baritone.

Strong, charismatic actor with big stage presence. Good dancing

ability preferred for this role. Could also play in the ensemble,

especially in Act 1.

HERMAN

SUPPORTING. Playing age of 35 – 60. Baritone.

Strong character and comic actor with strong baritone voice.

Dancing ability preferred but not essential.

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ENSEMBLE (MALE):Sweet Charity is a strong ensemble show. As well as the big song

and dance numbers, as the action follows Charity around NYC,

there is the opportunity for the ensemble to create a collection of

distinct characters. In addition, there are a variety of small featured

roles to be played by the male ensemble including Mike and Barney.

Men auditioning for the ensemble should be strong singers and

preferably strong dancers or at least willing to work hard at the

dance numbers and expect a challenge. They should also be sound

character actors with clear speaking voices. Male ensemble will

feature strongly in Rich Man’s Frug, I’m A Brass Band, The Rhythm

of Life, Sweet Charity and I Love To Cry At Weddings along with a

variety of acting scenes.

ENSEMBLE (FEMALE):Sweet Charity is a strong ensemble show. As well as the big song

and dance numbers, as the action follows Charity around NYC, there

is the opportunity for the ensemble to create a collection of distinct

characters. In addition, there are a variety of small featured roles to

be played by the female ensemble including featured taxi dancers at

the Fandango Ballroom (eg Carmen and Rosie). Women auditioning

for the ensemble should be strong character actors, singers and

preferably strong dancers or at least willing to work hard at the

dance numbers and expect a challenge. Female ensemble will

feature strongly in Big Spender, Rich Man’s Frug, There’s Gotta Be

Something Better Than This, The Rhythm of Life, Sweet Charity and I

Love To Cry At Weddings along with a variety of acting scenes.

CTC’s Priscilla Queen of the Desert

MONOLOGUE FOR THE ACTING AUDITIONS FOR PRINCIPALS:

CHARITY Prepare both of the dialogues below

DIALOGUE 1 a phone call from the Pompeii Club. Charity is with film star, Vittorio Vidal.

Charity: (Into phone) Hello, Nickie, Miss Valentine speaking. (She is putting on airs)

Miss Valentine…Any messages for me?....Charity, jerk!...Who called?....Jerry the Greek?

(To Vidal) Must have been an overseas call. Oh, well, I don’t know what time I’ll be home…

That’s entirely up to Vittorio… Vittorio Vidal… Yes, the international film star…. We’re sitting

together at a table at the Pompeii Club waiting for our rolls… Oh all right.

(She hands Vidal the phone.) Would you please say hello?

Vidal: (Into Phone) Hello

Charity: (Into Phone) There’s your hello - now goodbye.

DIALOGUE 2 at the Fandango Ballroom

Charity: Nickie, why did he do it, why? I bought him everything he ever wanted. I even got

him a midnight blue Mohair 79 dollar Italian suit that he could have bought for 45 at Howards.

But that louse wouldn’t wear a Howard’s suit….

Nickie: Go ahead honey! Get it out of your system.

Charity: The things I used to do for him. Getting up in the middle of the night to get him a

provolone sandwich and a bottle of Yoo-Hoo chocolate milk.

Nickie: Men – they got no feelings.

Charity: (To a picture of Charlie) Well, I’ve had it up to here, Mister. You can slip and slide your

greasy head on some other girl’s shoulder.

Nickie: You tell him, baby.

Charity: I hope your tight Italian pants choke you to death.

OSCAR / VITTORIO Prepare both of the dialogues below, one as Oscar and one as Vittorio

DIALOGUE 1 Oscar and Charity, just before the marriage proposal

Charity: And do you have any idea how I earn that money? Do you? Heh?

Oscar: You’re a dance hall hostess.

Charity: I’m a dance hall hostess. I work in a dance hall. I dance with strange men and talk to

them and drink with them and...(She suddenly realises what he said) How did you know?

Oscar: I’ve known for a week now. I was riding a bus one night, saw you, jumped off and

before I could catch you I saw you go into this dance hall. I went in and stood in the corner.

You were sitting in the booth with some man. You were laughing and giggling. I didn’t stay

very long---- an hour or so…. That night when I went home, I tried very, very hard to hate you,

Charity….but I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t hate you. 

DIALOGUE 2 Vittorio and Ursula after a row; Vittorio is hiding Charity in the closet

Vidal: Why do we say the things we do? Why do we torture each other like this?

Ursula: Because I’m an immature foolish child, that’s why?

Vidal: It’s my vanity. My stupid egotistical vanity.

Ursula: No darling, it’s my fault. It’s all mine.

Vidal: I don’t know anymore. I just don’t know whose fault it is.

Ursula: I never want to be away from you. Ever again.

Vidal: It’s no good without you, Ursula. No good at all.

Ursula: Without you, Vittorio, there is no love.

Vidal: (Postures) And without love, life has no purpose!

NICKIE / HELENE / FEMALE ENSEMBLE (READING ROLE OF NICKIE) Prepare the dialogue below

DIALOGUE Charity has just returned to the Fan Dango Ballroom after spending the night with Vittorio

Charity: You don’t believe me? You don’t believe I spent the night with Vittorio Vidal?

Nickie: You swear?

Charity: I swear!

Nickie: On your mother’s life?

Charity: On my mother’s life.

Nickie: (To Betsy) Call up and find out how her mother is.

Charity: (Shows momentos) Here. He gave me these. They’re momentos of our evening

together.

Nickie: Is that all he gave you? Honey, if I was you I’d pass the hat and beat myself to death

with the cane ‘cause you are dumb.

Charity: But you don’t know what happened.

Nickie: Forget it. What you do in bed is your business.

Charity: I wasn’t in bed. I was in the closet.

Nickie: To each his own. A hat and a cane. If it was me I would have walked out of there with

my own beauty parlor.

Helene: Now you’ll never get out of here. Baby, you’re stuck. Just like the rest of us.

Nickie: Not me... I’m not gonna spend the next forty years in the Fan-Dango Ballroom. I’m not

gonna become the world’s first little old taxi dancer... I’m gettin’ out.

DADDY BRUBECK / MALE ENSEMBLE (READING ROLE OF DADDY) Prepare the dialogue below

DIALOGUE at the Rhythm of Life Church

Daddy Brubeck: This is where it’s happening, Baby. The Rhythm of Life--- Number Seven in

the Ten Top Religions.

Assistant #1: We’re gonna climb to Number One, Daddy!

Daddy Brubeck: Time is running out on the big number called Life. And we are all coming to

the last eight bars. And the leader man will soon take us by the hand where we will enter the

flip side of life called Eternity.

Assistant #2: Eternity

Assistant #1: The big coffee break in the sky

Daddy Brubeck: But before we pile into that big bus …. We got to make our peace.

Assistant #2: Make it Daddy, make it.

Daddy Brubeck: I shall not put my mother and father down.

Group: No Daddy.

Daddy Brubeck: I shall honor my debts, my grievances and my alimony.

Group: Oh yeah.

Daddy Brubeck: I shall not falsify my name at the Unemployment Bureau.

Group: Oh yeah!

Daddy Brubeck: I shall respect my obligations and report each month to the police.

Group: Oh yeah.

Daddy Brubeck: I shall not indulge in the evil marijuana weed commonly known as pot… It is

sinful… It is harmful…and it is very expensive---- (sirens sound) And I suggest you dump the

goods before the cops arrive.

HERMANPrepare the dialogue below

DIALOGUE At Charity’s engagement party

Herman: And now, through the courtesy of the hostesses of the Fan Dango Ballroom, Local

107, waiters, the janitor, Joe the Bouncer, Harry the Cop, and our three regular customers since

1954….we present…. (fanfare) a seventeen dollar cake.

Charity: Beautiful! (She bends over and reads the inscription) “Happy Birthday Angelo”???

Nickie: (Whacks Herman across the shoulders) You couldn’t get a new cake, you cheapskate?

Herman: All right, all right. I didn’t know she was leavin’ till this morning.

Charity: Never mind. It’s the sentiment that counts….. Herman, Angelo and I thank you very

much.

Herman: (smiles at her) For a broad, you gotta lotta class. (Shouts for quiet) It ain’t often

that one of our girls leaves to marry a nice, respectable guy. In fact this is the first time it ever

happened. And so as a parting gesture, our three regular customers since 1954, would like a

farewell dance with our own, bride-to-be, Miss Charity Valentine.

URSULAPrepare the dialogue below

DIALOGUE Vittorio and Ursula after a row; Vittorio is hiding Charity in the closet

Vidal: Why do we say the things we do? Why do we torture each other like this?

Ursula: Because I’m an immature foolish child, that’s why?

Vidal: It’s my vanity. My stupid egotistical vanity.

Ursula: No darling, it’s my fault. It’s all mine.

Vidal: I don’t know anymore. I just don’t know whose fault it is.

Ursula: I never want to be away from you. Ever again.

Vidal: It’s no good without you, Ursula. No good at all.

Ursula: Without you, Vittorio, there is no love.

Vidal: (Postures) And without love, life has no purpose!

MUSIC FOR SINGING AUDITIONS: Audition sheet music is available from camtheatrecompany.co.uk/get-involved, or can be

sent to you by email if you prefer. If you have any questions about the music or to request an

audition slot, email to auditions@camtheatrecompany.co.uk. Mention your preferred audition

date and whether you wish to audition for a principal or ensemble role.

Those preparing to audition for roles should prepare the following songs:

CHARITY

If My Friends Could See Me Now and Where Am I Going?

VITTORIO / OSCAR

I’m The Bravest Individual and Too Many Tomorrows

NIKKI / HELENE

There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This

DADDY BRUBECK

The Rhythm of Life

HERMAN

I Love To Cry At Weddings

URSULA / ENSEMBLE The Rhythm of Life