STAGE TUBE: 9 Works Theatrical Presents SWEET CHARITY (Manila)

Manila, Philippines, August 16, 2011 -- Television and recording artist-turned-stage actress, Nikki Gil (Charity Hope Valentine), and newbie theater actor, Kris Lawrence (Oscar Lindquist), lead 9 Works Theatrical's (Rent, The Wedding Singer) production of the classic Broadway musical comedy, Sweet Charity, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Sweet Charity, which originally starred Gwen Verdon as dancer-for-hire, Charity Hope Valentine, premiered on Broadway in 1966. The original Broadway production had Cy Coleman's music, Dorothy Fields' lyrics, Neil Simon's book and Bob Fosse's Tony Award-winning choreography. The musical was also adapted into a full-length film in 1969, which starred Shirley MacLaine as Charity, and had several remakes on Broadway. Sweet Charity's most recent revival on the Great White Way was in 2005, which had Christina Applegate and Charlotte d'Amboise in the title role.

Coleman's music for Sweet Charity boasts of catchy-but-naughty tunes (and sometimes with dark tones in the same vein as John Kander's musical Chicago).  A couple of popular show tunes, "Big Spender" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now," are from the show.

Apart from Ms. Gil and Mr. Lawrence, Sweet Charity also features Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (Nickie), Ciara Sotto-Oconer (Helene), Sheree Vidal Bautista (Carmen), Miguel Faustamann (Herman), OJ Mariano (Vittorio Vidal, Daddy Johann Sebastian Brubeck), Angela Padilla (Ursula March), Tasy Garrucha, Caisa Borromeo, Chinie Nepomuceno, Vinia Pamplona, Carmelle Ros, Topper Fabregas, Job Bautista, Francis Matheu, Anthony Tarrosa Ong, Peter Alcedo and Chai Relucio.

Director Robbie Guevara, assistant director Lorenz Martinez, musical director Joseph Tolentino (orchestra), musical director Sweet Plantado (vocals), scenographer and costume designer Mio Infante, costume designer Hanna delos Reyes, lighting designer Martin Esteva, choreographer Deana Aquino, graphic designer Dale Amon and photographer Roy Macam round out its creative team.

Sweet Charity runs until August 27.  Performance schedule: Friday 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. , Saturday 3:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m. For tickets and more information, call (632) 557-5860, 586-7105 or (63) 917-5545560 or email info@9workstheatrical.com.

Video Posted on YouTube by Joriben Zaballa

Oliver is about to earn his M.S. degree in public relations and corporate communication from New York University while serving as regional editor for BroadwayWorld.com. Over the past 18 years, Oliver has been handling public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands (including Pepsi), Broadway shows, Broadway stars, non-profit organizations, and mainstream celebrities. He also teaches public relations at De La Salle University-Manila. Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros

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