Nikki Gil: Heaven-sent star/ Pinky Marquez in concert

The dance musical comedy “Sweet Charity”, as originally conceived, staged and choreographed by Bob Fosse, was shown on Broadway and the West End in 1966, then re-staged again and again up to 2007. Why? Because it is solid entertainment, its songs enthralling, its dances — any of them — electrifying.

Further, the brilliant collaboration among such creative titans as choreographer Fosse, orchestrator Ralph Burns, composer Cy Coleman and lyricist Dorothy Fields was bound to hit audiences like a thunderstorm, especially with the irresistible attraction of such compelling performers as Gwen Verdon, Juliet Prowse, Shirley McClaine and Christina Applegate successively portraying Charity.

The formula has been duplicated, to near perfection, by 9 Works Theatrical presentation at the RCBC auditorium — on its last day today.

The show offers many memorable impressions but the most overwhelming is of Nikki Gil in the lead role as Charity. She is a super star from heaven, with God-given gifts as actress, singer, dancer. And she looks like an angel, besides! As actress, she compels attention being vivacious, dramatic, endearing, eloquent and articulate.

She sings as though she were born to sing; she dances as though she were born to dance — her manner sprightly, graceful, fleet-footed, sparkling. How she can sway those hips!

The rest of the cast fill the bill, each acting, singing, dancing to the hilt, each giving his/her all. Time was when Filipino players were inhibited – a trait harking back to our centuries-old colonial era. Nikki has shed all inhibitions as have her stage friends Sheila Valderrama-Martinez (Nickie), Ciara Sotto (Helene), Sheree (Carmen). And Nikki’s role is daunting, she’s onstage most of the time!

Other characters who stand out are Kris Lawrence as Oscar Lindquist, the shy, reluctant suitor of Charity; OJ Mariano as Vittorio Vidal, the suave, assured matinee idol who takes a momentary fancy to Charity; Angela Padilla as Ursula, Vittorio’s nervous, fluttery mistress; veteran actor Miguel Faustmann who, in any role makes a considerably palpable impact on the audience. Here, he is Herman, the hard-boiled hotel manager who reveals himself later as a singing, dancing softie celebrating Charity’s purported wedding.

The musical, in a manner of speaking, is a clever satire. The Good Book says charity is mankind’s greatest virtue: “Faith, hope, charity; the greatest of these is charity.” Yet Charity in the play is engaged in the oldest profession in the world although she may be in it by circumstance and not by choice. Further, her other names are Hope Valentine which suggest she is hoping to find her true love, possibly on Valentine’s Day.

The dialogue is crisp and funny most of the time. There are two particularly rib-tickling scenes: Charity in a closet hiding from Ursula in Vittorio’s home; Charity and Oscar stuck in an elevator during which time he falls in love with her.

Giving their own obvious contribution to the play’s enormous success are director Robbie Guevara, assistant director Lorenz Martinez; Deanna Aquino who imaginatively stages the dances; scenographer Mio Infante who designed the costumes with Hanna de los Reyes and Twinkle Zamora. They judiciously set Charity apart with her non-glittering, non-sparkling costumes presumably making her more “virtuous” than the other harlots, as befitting her name.

Special mention should be made of Conductor Joseph Tolentino whose dozen orchestra members spiritedly accompany the songs and dances.

The play seems to have deviated from the printed synopsis which states that in the end Oscar pushes Charity into the lake. Instead, Charity, overcoming all odds (Oscar decides not to marry her) sings vibrantly, echoing the poet William Henley who declares “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”

“Sweet Charity” is more than sweet. It is a terrific musical. In my day, I saw several Broadway shows in New York. How remarkably 9 Works Theatrical’s polished and professional “Sweet Charity” compares with any of them!

Pinky Marquez in concert

The Don Bernardo Alvarez Elementary School in Buho, a remote barangay in Leyte which is a two-hour ride from Ormoc City, recently suffered extensive destruction owing to heavy rains and land erosions. It will be the beneficiary of the Annual Medical Mission of the Casino Español de Cebu which will present Cebu-born and bred Pinky Marquez in a concert.

The talented and versatile singer will render Broadway and West End songs, favorite classics, old standards and hit tunes of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

Presented by the Casino Español de Cebu, the benefit concert is set for tomorrow, Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. in the Casino’s Salon de Madrid.

Interested parties may call Honey Jarque Loop at (0917) 6200400.