Theatre News Wire

Writers' Theatre Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Michael Halberstam announce the Writers' Theatre production of Sweet Charity, book by Neil Simon with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam with musical direction by Doug Peck and choreography by Jessica Redish. The production runs January 22 - March 31, 2013 at Writers' Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, IL.

How many times can a girl make the same mistakes? Charity Valentine's problems aren't unique-a dead end job, a string of dates with identically flawed men and a knack for making the wrong choices. Of course, in her case the job is as a dance hall "hostess" and her dates all seem to end with her being pushed into the lake- but that won't shake her belief that great things lie just ahead. And perhaps they do...

Artistic Director Michael Halberstam gives Charity reasons to sing and dance on the gritty streets of New York, and Musical Director Doug Peck re-imagines the score for a live jazz combo.

"Having now fully invested in the musical as part of the Writers' Theatre conversation it makes sense that we should deepen our respect for the form with a foray into this most thrilling of genres-the dance musical. Along with the city's foremost music director Doug Peck and rising local choreographer Jessica Redish, we have assembled a talent-packed cast of actor-singer-dancers (or triple threats as they are known in the business) to bring Simon, Coleman and Fields' musical to life," says Artistic Director Michael Halberstam. "We are particularly thrilled to be showcasing the remarkable appeal of Tiffany Topol who, already highly respected by her colleagues in Chicago, is about to introduce herself to our audiences in a mighty special way. Writers' Theatre is about to bring its own intimate brand of theatrical sizzle to Glencoe."

The cast includes: Tiffany Topol (Charity), Jarrod Zimmerman (Oscar/Ensemble), Jeff Parker (Vittorio/Ensemble), Ericka Mac (Helene/Ensemble), Karen Burthwright (Nickie/Ensemble), James Earl Jones II (Daddy Brubeck/Herman/Ensemble), Katie Spelman (Rosie/Ensemble), Emily Ariel Rogers (Ursula/Ensemble), Adam Estes (Ensemble), Travis Porchia (Ensemble) and Liam Quealy (Ensemble).

The creative team includes: Collette Pollard (Scenic Designer), David Hyman Costume Designer), John Culbert (Lighting Designer), Joshua Horvath (Sound Designer), Nick Heggestad, (Properties Designer), Eva Breneman (Dialect Coach), Tom Vendafreddo (Piano/Conductor), David Castellanos (Production Stage Manager) and Michael Holtzman, (Assistant Director).