Cast members of "Sweet Charity”

The hilarious experiences of a young woman, a dancer at a men’s club, who falls head over heels in love with all the wrong men will come to life on Rider University’s main stage as 36 of its student actors perform next month in Cy Coleman/Neil Simon’s classic musical, Sweet Charity, in the Fine Arts Center’s Yvonne Theater on the Lawrenceville campus.

Rider’s fine arts department production will run November 9, 10, 16, 17. The curtain rises at 8 p.m. Set in New York City, the show includes several well-known Broadway numbers, including Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, and There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This.

The outstanding talents of students from the Lawrenceville and Westminster Choir College campuses will be well-showcased in this production, according to director Miriam Mills, assistant professor of fine arts, who chose the play due to its universal theme.

“This is not just a play about ‘women of the night,’ but a musical about dreams and hope,” said Mills. “Charity, the protagonist, can teach us all something about how we should approach our lives. She is a very special lady. No matter what happens to her, she never gives up.”

Performing as lead actors are: Rachel Yucht of Teaneck, a senior fine arts major, as Charity Hope Valentine; and Russell Fischer of Port Reading, N.J.; a senior music theater major at Westminster Choir College, as Oscar. Making their debuts as freshman acting scholars are Nicole Carroll of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., an elementary education/fine arts major, as Ursula March; Justin Kelly of Point Pleasant, N.J., a fine arts major, as Charlie; Nick Anastasia of Howell, N.J., a fine arts major, as Male #3; and Melanie Licata of Cranbury, N.J., a fine arts major, as Female #2.

Other featured actors include: Marlayna Allen of Salem, N.J., a sophomore French/fine arts major, as Helene; Ali Haugh of Point Pleasant, N.J., an elementary education/Spanish major, as Nickie; Michael Hollinshead of Hillsborough, N.J., a junior fine arts major, as Herman; and Joe Sabatino of Burlington, N.J., a senior fine arts major, as Vidal. Also performing in the production are freshmen Jordan Van De Sande of Neptune, N.J., a junior fine arts/French major, and Christy Quickstad of Berkeley Heights, N.J., a fine arts majors with a concentration in dance. Philadelphia choreographer Jenny Jones taught the cast members Bob Fosse’s notable Broadway dance techniques.

“I was searching for ‘triple threats,” said Mills. “Cast members have to master difficult choreography, singing and acting. The music is memorable, the script is clever, and the students are extraordinary. It will be a fun evening of theater.”

Set designer Tharyle Prather, director of the Theater Facility, created staging that would accommodate 20 different scenes.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students, faculty and staff. Admission is $4 for the preview show on Thursday, November 8 at 7 p.m. and the brush-up show on Thursday, November 15 at 7 p.m. For more information, call 609-896-5303.

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