Sweet Charity
at JP Taravella High School

Reviewed on November 2, 2018

Dylan Jost
North Broward Preparatory School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Bob Fosse once said, "Life is just a bowl of cherries, so live and laugh, laugh at love, love a laugh, and laugh and love." The cast of J.P. Taravella High School's well-executed production of "Sweet Charity" took this message to heart, producing a show that the audience could not only laugh at, but also one they could connect with at an emotional level through themes of friendship, heartbreak, and the cyclical nature of life.

Directed and choreographed by the famous Bob Fosse, "Sweet Charity" danced its way to a Broadway premiere in 1966. With dazzling music by Cy Coleman, clever lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and a splendid book by Neil Simon, this timeless musical received 9 Tony nominations and has had multiple revivals. "Sweet Charity" follows Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess with a rocky love life. Charity never seems to be able to find "the one"- a man who is willing to commit to her. When Charity meets the reserved Oscar Lindquist, she thinks that he is finally "the one", but only time will tell if he is truly the one who will release her from her troubling cycle of heartbreak.

Leading the show with infectious joy and commendable dedication was Kimberly Sessions as Charity Hope Valentine. Enthralling from start to finish, Sessions commanded the stage with her effervescence. Continuously dancing and jumping around the stage, Sessions displayed impressive stamina. While Charity is an extremely difficult role to play, Sessions was up to the challenge and succeeded to the utmost regard. Alongside Sessions was Hunter Quinn as the quirky Oscar Lindquist. Quinn always remained engaging due to his unfaltering energy. The chemistry between Quinn and Sessions felt authentic and effortless, making for many dynamic interactions between the two of them.

Exquisitely portraying Nickie, one of Charity's fellow dance hall hostesses, was Nicole Sugarman. Sugarman's performance was spectacular, with breathtaking vocals and a consistent accent. Sugarman and Dani Wolfe (Helene) exhibited beautiful harmonies in their memorable duet, "Baby Dream Your Dream". A performance that must be mentioned is that of Boaz Levy as Herman. Levy displayed immense maturity in his role, while also showcasing his impressive vibrato and clear pitch in "I Love to Cry at Weddings."

Technically the show was masterfully executed. The props and costumes were all consistent with the era of the musical, which made the overall production all the more believable. The hair and makeup team was responsible for 50 wigs, all of which looked impeccable and genuine. Furthermore, the costume team was responsible for 149 costumes, making their success all the more impressive.

The cast as a whole must be acknowledged for putting on a performance of professional quality. Although there was an occasional lack of energy among the cast, this was more than made up for by their overall stage awareness and evident devotion to this artistic endeavor.

J.P. Taravella High School masterfully told the story of an unlucky in love dance hall hostess who yearns for something more in their superbly-executed production of "Sweet Charity." Transporting the audience to the Fandango Ballroom, the cast of "Sweet Charity" proved that sometimes all you can do is live...hopefully...ever after.

Aysha Zackria
NSU University School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

Want "fun, laughs, and good times?" Look no further than JP Taravella's lively production of Sweet Charity.

Set in the 1960's, Charity Hope Valentine is a dance hall hostess who just wants to be loved. Time and time again, she gives her heart to men who do not care for her. Finally, she meets Oscar, a man who might break the cycle. With music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and book by Neil Simon, Sweet Charity premiered on Broadway in 1966. It was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning for choreography by Bob Fosse.

Kimberly Sessions, playing Charity, incredibly performed the role of the bubbly dance hall hostess. Her character was largely conveyed through dance, which skillfully toed the line between elegant and silly. While consistently playful, Sessions still managed to portray Charity's growth and supposed newfound maturity. She always had high energy, ensuring clarity in her speaking, singing, and dancing. Hunter Quinn, as Oscar Lindquist, oscillated between outright hysterics and quiet composure. Through physical exaggeration and complete immersion in the story, he elevated the intensity and comedy of Oscar's neurotic nature. The chemistry between Quinn and Sessions was apparent, allowing them to feed off of each other's energy. Nicole Sugarman, playing Nickie, maintained her casual appearance while fully committing to the choreography and vocals. Her character's age was more believable because of this aloofness. Her accent was so unwavering that it blended seamlessly into her lines, both spoken and sung.

Boaz Levy, playing Herman, had a noticeable command of stage as a result of his powerful voice and presence. He conveyed the dual nature of a tough, yet caring boss. In "Rich Man's Frug," an iconic Fosse dance number, Jaime Happel, a Frug Dancer, led the ensemble with her bold physicality and striking confidence. Another notable Frug Dancer was Nicholas Ismailoff, who stood out with his clean execution of difficult choreography. The Fandango Girls were unified by their environment and attitudes, but each had distinct characters, which made their performance more natural and entertaining. Although some actors lacked range or intensity, the production as a whole was supported by each individual's engagement, interaction with the story, and execution of dance with difficult timing.

Costumes, by Polgar, Mendez, Feinstein, and Niles, clearly portrayed the 1960's era, which was essential to the clarity of the plot and unification of the show's aesthetic. Their specific clothing choices and sewing alterations made each character look unique. Hair and makeup, by Jasmin Victoria and crew, conveyed an obvious distinction between the Fandango girls and the people of New York. The styling and securing of dozens of wigs was extremely effective and period appropriate. Sound, by Gonzalez, Daley, Carolan, and Herrera, blended the ensemble well, staying balanced even when many actors were singing in unison.

JP Taravella's production of Sweet Charity both entertains and educates. The pursuit of love can be tedious and complicated, but it gives life purpose.

Madeline Finkelman
North Broward Preparatory School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

The free-wheeling and fancy free tale of Sweet Charity follows the simple story of a girl who wants to be loved. Full of fun, laughs, and good times, J.P. Taravella High School's production brought a posh period piece to timeless, technicolor life.

Sweet Charity originally premiered on Broadway in 1966 with music and lyrics by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields. Bob Fosse directed and choreographed the show's Tony award winning dance numbers. The show focuses on Charity Hope Valentine, a hopeless romantic who dances through life trying to find happiness, purpose, and the true meaning of love.

Leading the show with ease, the lovely Charity was played by Kimberly Sessions. Sessions lit up the stage with her expressive face and willowy dancing, and kept up her jubilant energy consistently throughout the show. Sessions charismatically showcased Charity's continuing cycle of love and heartbreak, conveying a sense of hope to the audience. Hunter Quinn portrayed Charity's nervous and naive love interest Oscar Lindquist. Quinn excellently executed the quirkiness of his character, adding an extra element of comedy, sweetly complementing Charity's splashy personality. Sessions and Quinn developed a believably burgeoning relationship, best showcased in their duet "Bravest Individual."

The night's biggest laughs came courtesy of the sassy and sarcastic Nickie, delightfully brought to life by Nicole Sugarman. Sugarman was truly a standout amongst the cast, conveying a striking sense of maturity and eloquently delivering her lines in her spot-on New York dialect, which never faded even in her extraordinary singing performances. Alongside Sugarman was Dani Wolfe, who played the fierce and feisty Helene. Sugarman and Wolfe strongly portrayed Charity's snarky yet supportive sidekicks. The two blended brilliantly in their wishful and wistful duet "Baby Dream Your Dream".

The show's ensemble masterfully replicated Fosse's complex choreography, most notably by Lead Frug Dancer, Jaime Happel. Happel luminously led the company with her sharp isolations and larger-than-life ponytail. The Fandango Dance Hall Girls established a cohesive unit in their steamy performances, using seductive poses and sultry expressions, most effectively in the song "Big Spender." Another standout performer was Boaz Levy in his portrayal of the stern yet sentimental boss Herman. Levy commanded the stage with his strong vocals and presence in the show stopping number "I Love To Cry At Weddings."

From big wigs to bright lights, the technical aspects of the show were pulled off beautifully. The vibrant makeup, glitzy costumes and voluminous hair fit the 60's era and stayed in place even through the most vigorous dance numbers. The comic book-style posters brought onto the stage by actors helped narrate and propel the story while adding an extra layer of comedy and nostalgia to the show.

For the cast and crew of Sweet Charity, the "fickle finger of fate" most definitely pointed to a fun and frivolous night of theater. This light and lavish production shows us that while a quest for love cannot always end happily, it can end hopefully.

Alonso Millan
South Plantation High School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

If you're looking for fun, laughs, and a good time, JP Taravella High School's remarkable production of Sweet Charity is sure to give you just that.

Sweet Charity was directed and choreographed by the great Bob Fosse, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and book by Neil Simon. The show follows the story of hopeless romantic Charity Hope Valentine, who after several failed attempts at love, yearns to leave her dance hall hostess days at the Fandango Ballroom behind and find the man of her dreams. Opening in 1966 at the Palace Theater, the role of Charity was originated by Fosse's wife Gwen Verdon, with revivals in 1986, 2005, and 2017.

As a whole, JP Taravella High School brought luminous energy to the stage at all times, nailing even the most difficult choreography throughout the show. Both ensemble and leading characters alike rarely faltered in their delivery of their over the top characters. From Charity's bubbly and hopeful personality to the aloof and "too cool" attitudes of the Frug Dancers, the cast of Sweet Charity gave strong performances the whole night, backed up by excellent technical aspects such as lighting and sound.

Kimberly Sessions' outstanding portrayal of Charity was unwavering in its energy and enthusiasm. Playing the delightful and spirited character expertly, her stellar dancing further amplified the audience's delight. Sessions never once faltered in her execution of the choreography and did so while maintaining a strong vocal performance. Bouncing across the stage at all moments, her dancing and overall performance was a huge highlight throughout the show.

The supporting cast must also be commended for their stellar performances. Nicole Sugarman's portrayal of Nickie, Charity's wise and witty best friend, consistently impressed. Every moment Sugarman was on stage she was completely committed to her character, shown through her wonderful accent as well as her expert comedic timing and strong delivery of the sassy character. The Frug Dancers were another standout in the show, completely dominating the stage during "Rich Man's Frug." Nicholas Ismailoff, in particular, was a delight to watch on stage during the number, captivating eyes with his energetic and eccentric delivery of the choreography.

The technical aspects of the show were extremely strong. While at times some actors were difficult to hear due to microphones being low, the sound as a whole was very well executed, not missing one sound cue throughout the show and keeping a great balance between the instrumental tracks and the vocals. The lighting was also very strong, fitting and molding the moods of the scenes and the songs during the entirety of the show. The lighting also aided in having seamless and effective set changes through the use of very few blackouts.

JP Taravella High School's production of Sweet Charity was dynamic, over the top, and hilarious. The cast and crew truly gave the audience a "good time!"

Gabriela Coutinho
American Heritage School
Submitted for publication to Florida Theater On Stage

It'd be a "sweet charity" to grab a friend to go out on the town and be transported back to the groovy 60s at JP Taravella High School. In its production of Sweet Charity, students evoked the hope and gaiety of youth despite rough trials and tribulations through consistent performances, skilled dance, and colorful technical elements.

The musical follows Charity, a young dance hall hostess, and her unbridled joy and romanticism, even amid the turbulency of her love life. The original Broadway musical featured direction and choreography by genius Bob Fosse and a book by comedic playwright Neil Simon. Iconic music by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, including songs like "Big Spender" and "The Rhythm of Life," add timeless fun to the show. JP Taravella's rendition exuded the energy, presentational quality, and consistency this musical demands.

Gliding across the stage and drawing gasps with her high kicks, Kimberly Sessions as the title character sustained dazzling grace and flexibility, a bright character, and supported vocals throughout the show. In numbers like "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This," Nicole Sugarman as Charity's more mature ballroom friend, Nickie, provided a contrast in age and commanded the stage with her 60s period poses, intense gaze, and strong vocal and physical presence. Vittorio Vidal and Oscar Lindquist (played by Riley Frost and Hunter Quinn) added comedic timing and excellent portrayals of classic archetypes: the lover and the neurotic. Quinn in particular drew laughter in the elevator scene.

As a whole, the cast at JP Taravella set the mood for each number with vigor, style, and distinct character choices. Rising to the dance challenge that Sweet Charity poses, the bewitching "Rich Man's Frug" and impressive, robust "If My Friends Could See Me Now" exemplified their success. Although they could have painted more levels in their characters' emotional arcs, their vitality, focus, and constant commitment to challenging numbers and their characters more than compensated for this.

Visually establishing the time period, the show's technical elements set the tone for an evening surrounding a search for love. Opening the show with enchanting silhouettes in a wash of blue, the student lighting design featured beautiful shifts in color which contributed to constructing various moods. While costumes, hair/makeup, and props for such a large cast in a period show may have presented a hefty challenge, one would never be able to tell as they were some of the production's crowning achievements due to their variety, quality, and (namely wig) security throughout extensive movement.

Cast of Sweet Charity, "the minute you walked in", everyone could tell you would deliver a night "of distinction" with precision and pizazz. While the title character may not have found the love she sought, theatregoers certainly found it in this polished and charming production.

Madison Winkler
American Heritage School
Submitted for publication to

For a young, naive girl, who wears her heart, well tattoo, on her sleeve, unlucky Charity Hope Valentine can never seem to catch a break when it comes to romance. Sweet Charity explores Miss Valentine's ups and downs as she tries to maintain love and find "the one" who can balance her unpredictable life as a dance hall hostess. JP Taravella High School's riveting production was one that boomed with life, groove, and love.

Sweet Charity was deemed a Fosse classic when it premiered on Broadway in 1966, originally choreographed and directed by Bob Fosse himself. With a book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, the production was nominated for several Tony Awards, winning Best Choreography. The production also secures the title of being the first Broadway musical performed in the Palace Theatre.

Leading lady Kimberly Sessions, commanded the role of Charity and fascinated the audience with her spunk and imposing dance technique. Sessions successfully embodied Charity with maturity and indomitable spirit. Sessions supported the notes she put forth and executed her choreography flawlessly with stamina and poise.

Charity's fellow dance hall performers, Nickie and Helene, played respectively by actresses, Nicole Sugarman and Dani Wolfe, also did a superior job of embracing their roles. Sugarman's sassy portrayal of Nickie was alluring and the vocals she produced in both solo and ensemble numbers were a fundamental part of the musical's success. She impressively maintained her accent at all times, even in song. Helene was featured through her exquisite dancing, which presented exceptional technique and allowed her to light up the stage.

One actor who complimented Charity's performance was Hunter Quinn, who played nerdy yet lovable, Oscar Lindquist. Quinn provided comedic relief when most needed and audience members were stunned by his ability to turn Charity's life upside down and leave her single once again. Although vocal consistency and overall energy could have been improved, the developed personas and Fosse style dancing created by the cast impressed the audience.

In technical terms, the show was appealing in many aspects. The lighting team did a fantastic job of selecting colors that complimented the mood of various scenes. The modern take on the set was slightly confusing though it was used well throughout the production. One technical category deserving praise was hair and makeup, lead by Jasmin Victoria. Balancing over 50 wigs and providing groovy 60s' looks, they successfully executed the job and contributed greatly to the show. Additionally, marketing and publicity put forward by Nicole Sugarman and Boaz Levy was superior. Their ability to utilize promotions via social media platforms and organize all-school inclusive events, such as dance offs, helped to showcase a level of professionalism that exceeds high school.

JP Taravella High School's production of Sweet Charity had it's audience happily trapped in the 60s for the evening and dreaming of the past.