Directed by Writers' artistic director Michael Halberstam with musical direction by Doug Peck (who re-imagines the score for a jazz combo) and choreography by Jessica Redish, performances will continue through March 31.
The cast includes Tiffany Topol (Charity), Jarrod Zimmerman (Oscar), Jeff Parker (Vittorio), Ericka Mac (Helene), Karen Burthwright (Nickie), James Earl Jones II (Daddy Brubeck/Herman), Katie Spelman (Rosie) and Emily Ariel Rogers (Ursula) with Adam Estes, Travis Porchia and Liam Quealy.
Here's how Writers' bills the musical: "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…"
Other members of the creative team include 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 (conductor), David Castellanos (production stage manager) and Michael Holtzman (assistant director).
Post-show discussions for Sweet Charity will be held Feb. 6, 13 and 27 as well as March 13, 20 and 27. Writers' Theatre is under the executive direction of Kathryn M. Lipuma and artistic direction of Michael Halberstam.
Writers' Theatre is located at 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe, IL. For more information and tickets, call (847) 242-6000 or visit WritersTheatre.org.