Fun, Frivolity and Fosse in Roleystone’s Immersive Sweet Charity

Roleystone Theatre, in WA, will present the musical Sweet Charity in an immersive cabaret setting, transforming the Armadale District Hall into the ‘Fandango Ballroom’ this September.

Originally premiering on Broadway in 1966, Sweet Charity tells the story of an optimistic dance hall hostess named Charity who is on a quest to find ‘Mr Right’ amongst a sea of bad relationships. When she finally meets shy and awkward Oscar, she is confronted with the possibility of true love after a lifetime of pining and must decide if this is what she really wants.

The show was conceived, directed and choreographed by the iconic Bob Fosse, and features a hilarious script by Neil Simon (The Odd Couple, Plaza Suite) and music by Cy Coleman (City of Angels, Barnum).

This production’s leading lady is Arianne Westcott-King, a seasoned musical theatre performer who has her own history with this beloved show.

“I’ve had a soft spot for the show since I was in my high school’s production of it 10 years ago, when I played Helene/Ursula,” said Arianne.

“Charity is such an earnest and trusting character, and to play her will be a joyful challenge.

“I have always loved Fosse’s work, so I’m thrilled to be able to indulge in that style of dance again.”

Roleystone Theatre’s production will use a thrust stage to fully immerse its audiences in the atmosphere of a 1960s nightclub, transforming the Armadale District Hall into the Fandango Ballroom and giving it a unique cabaret atmosphere.

This show marks Chloe Palliser’s first time directing and choreographing a full-length musical, having previously directed A Cabaret of Golden Age Musicals at the Hall in 2022. Chloe’s extensive experience in the technical aspects of theatre, including lighting and sound, inspired her to try something different with this production’s staging.

“Using immersive staging puts a new spin on musicals that we don’t often see in Perth theatre,” she said.

“I found inspiration in the current West End production of Guys and Dolls, but want to infuse more of a ‘cabaret club’ feel. I’m excited for Perth audiences to see a musical presented this way!”

Jason Nettle plays Oscar Lindquist, a love interest of Charity’s, and said he was drawn to Fosse’s work when auditioning for the show.

“Being a dancer of more than 20 years, I’ve grown up loving Fosse and so many of the things he made, so when Sweet Charity came up I knew I wanted to be involved,” he said.

“There is a slight irony being cast into the only non-dancing role in the show, but I am loving the challenge of playing the outsider in this dance-driven world.”

Sweet Charity plays at the Armadale District Hall from 15-23 September, 2023. Ticket pricing $28 adult, $23 concession. Recommended for ages 16+. Book at bit.ly/SweetCharity2023.