December 11, 2006

Molly Ringwald is "Sweet Charity"

A Review by Stan Dyer

(Reviewer's Note: This review, as with all my reviews, is unsolicited and anonymous. It is from the point of view of the common person with respect to product quality, overall value, and convenience to the consumer)

With a show like this, a person really has to take a chance. If a show is only in town a couple of weeks, one needs to decide quickly or miss it completely. Having a recognizable name as a star makes the decision easier, and that's why producers do that. Still, as it turns out, no matter who is in the starring role, this is still a great show.

It is apparent that many people remember Molly Ringwald from her "Brat Pack" days. What isn't so apparent is how many people know Molly as a singer and dancer since her early childhood. In fact, she cut an album when she was six years old, and starred in the West Coast production of "Annie" when she was just 10. The woman is a talented veteran of the stage and can do more than look pretty in pink.

She proves her versatility when, despite being the show's "draw", she doesn't steal the show, she doesn't try to own the show, and she doesn't dominate the show. She shares the stage and works well with her cast to revive this classic, 60's musical. Her dancing is adequate, her singing is average, and her acting is good. She is as common as her character, "Charity Hope Valentine". She is so suited to the role, it is difficult to say if it's perfect casting, good direction, or an exceptional performance. Whatever it is, it works. The best scenes are six and eight of the first act. Scene six is in the apartment of Vittorio Vital, and scene eight is on the elevator at the "Y".

It's nice to see what a big cast on a big stage with a big budget can do in a nice theatre like the Buell. Anyone who enjoys 60's musicals will love this show. As for value, ticket prices range from $25 for "nosebleed" seats, up to $70 for the orchestra. That's about the going rate. For convenience, there is a parking lot adjacent to the Performing Arts Complex charging $8 for event parking, but keep in mind there are six theatres in the Complex and it is almost always busy. Allow extra time. After 6:00 p.m., the meters are off and you can park on the street if you don't mind the walk, but those meters have a two-hour limit at other times. Dining options both before and after the show are numerous.

The show is a good product, the value is marginal, and it is moderately convenient. Overall, I rate the experience "A-". It's too bad that the show ends the 17 th. I would have recommended it. Still, based on this show, I'll be less cautious of "NETworks Productions" shows in the future. For more information on upcoming shows, and what's showing now "downtown", call the DCPA at 303-893-4000, or go on-line at www.denvercenter.org. (You can buy and print tickets on line. I did, and it works great!)