Groovy: Footlight Productions’ Sweet Charity features at Geelong Performing Arts Centre until next week.
Erin Pearson
DESPITE his high school failing to offer opportunities to shine on stage, Geelong actor David Ward was determine never to give up on his dream.
Ward is now preparing to step out on stage next weekend as a lead character in the Broadway musical Sweet Charity.
“When a school doesn’t really do productions and you’re a performing kid you have to look elsewhere,” he said.
“Footlight Productions, which is doing Sweet Charity, is a joy to work for. They attract good people, good performers and good directors, so their productions are high quality.
“I don’t know anyone else in town that puts on a better show.”
Ward, who previously had a lead roll in a local production of West Side Story, said the group would now meet three to four times a week in the lead up to opening night.
“We’ve been rehearsing since October but for the last month its been a massive undertaking,” he said.
“Everyone’s as keen as each other to perfect the performance, everyone’s jumped at their roles, but the challenge now is we’ve got to put our heads down and bums up and get the show ready.”
Sweet Charity follows the life and loves of Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess who yearns for the day when Mr Right comes along to sweep her off her feet.
In the meantime she lives each day as a gullible optimist who the audience follows through a series of misadventures.
Through it all Charity remains hopeful that good things will eventually come to her in life.
Director Peter Wills said audiences could expect great 1960s music, dancing and “outstanding” costumes designed specifically for the production.
“It’s a show that hasn’t been in Geelong for many years and the score is just wonderful, so we thought it was about time the songs were heard again.
“People can expect to see big numbers such as There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This, Hey Big Spender, Rhythm of Life and Where Am I Going?
“Audiences will also fall in love with Cara Oliver who plays Charity – she’s absolutely gorgeous on and off stage.”
Other lead cast members include Sarah Power, Zoe McDonald, Reyna Hudgell, David Mackay and Tony Wasley.
Sweet Charity premiered on Broadway in 1966, earning nominations for 12 Tony Awards.
Sweet Charity will play in Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s Playhouse Theatre from this Friday until February.
