HEY, big spender – here's a show worth splashing out for tickets to see!For Felixstowe's award-winning Stage Door Theatre Company have secured the rights for the hit musical Sweet Charity.

By Richard Cornwell

HEY, big spender – here's a show worth splashing out for tickets to see!

For Felixstowe's award-winning Stage Door Theatre Company have secured the rights for the hit musical Sweet Charity.

Anita Lord, artistic director of the company, is delighted to have won permission to perform the show as she is a great admirer of Bob Fosse, who staged and choreographed the production.

"It's a wonderful show and includes many memorable songs such as Hey Big Spender, If They Could See Me Now and the Rhythm of Life," said Anita.

"We will be looking for dancers, ladies and men. All ages and abilities are welcome, and while we like to encourage young talent we would welcome mature newcomers to the company.

"Whether people want to be involved on stage or off they will be made more than welcome."

Sweet Charity, written by Neil Simon with music by Dorothy Fields and lyrics by Cy Coleman, tells the story of an optimistic young woman, Charity, who not only wears her heart on her sleeve, she's had it tattooed to her arm!

Dumped by the married man on whom she had pinned all her hopes and dreams, she vows never again to be taken advantage of by a man – and then finds herself involved with an Italian movie star.

However, he is no better than the other men Charity has dated, and once again she finds herself jilted and alone.

The next night, as fate would have it, she finds herself trapped in an elevator with a claustrophobic tax accountant who sweeps her off her feet. But will he still feel the same when he finds out Charity works as a dance hall hostess?

The intriguing story was premiered at the Palace Theatre, New York, in 1966 with a cast that featured Gwen Verdon as Charity, John McMartin as Oscar, Thelma Oliver as Helene and James Luisi in the role of Vidal.

A film version in 1969 featured Shirley MacLaine and Sammy Davis Jr., but it is Shirley Bassey's powerful rendition of Big Spender which has been the show's greatest friend and promoter over the years.

Stage Door has been performing in and around Felixstowe since 1988. Its most recent performances of The King & I, Hello Dolly, Half A Sixpence and Cabaret have been at the Spa Pavilion.

Sweet Charity will be staged from April 3-5 and auditions are set to take place on Friday January 10 at 7.30pm at Old Felixstowe Community Centre, Church Road, Felixstowe. Pre audition rehearsals will take place tonight (JAN 6) and Thursday (JAN 9) at the same venue.

Full details from Anita Lord on 01473 787436.

WEBLINK: www.stagedoorfelixstowe.co.uk