SWEET CHARITY Set for Limelight Theatre November 26 - December 12

HEY big spender! Limelight Theatre is getting ready to sing, dance, laugh and cry its way through its next show - the classic musical comedy Sweet Charity.

Written by Neil Simon, Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, it's a tender look at the adventures and misadventures in the ways of love encountered by New York dance hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine.

Through trials and tribulations, Charity continues searching for love, ever hopeful, but always gives her heart and dreams to the wrong man.

Sweet Charity has won various Tony Awards and nominations over the years and features the well-known songs Hey Big Spender, Too Many Tomorrows, There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This and The Rhythm of Life.

Playwright Neil Simon is famed for iconic plays such as The Odd Couple, Biloxi Blues and Barefoot in the Park while the 1969 film version of Sweet Charity featured Shirley MacLaine in the title role.

"Charity is an eternal optimist who believes in true love but can never find it," director David Nelson said. "She is desperately trying to get a better life.

"There are always challenges with a period show, in terms of sourcing costumes and props and making sure hair and makeup is of the era - we are working hard to create a vibrant '60s feel."

Involved in theatre for more than 30 years, Nelson has appeared in a plethora of productions around Perth.

He won a Plover Award for his role in the musical The Rink at Playlovers and has also received Limelight Theatre awards for his acting skills in Hairspray and The Stillborn Lover.

Previously, he directed Boeing Boeing at Playlovers - but Sweet Charity marks his first time directing a musical.

"I have always loved this show," he said. "The show is set in the '60s when there were big changes happening in society and I like the fact this musical represents that."

Sweet Charity plays at 8pm November 26, 27, 28, December 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 and 12 with 2pm matinees December 5 and 12. Tickets are $32, $27 concession, $21 children - book on 0499 954 016 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday, or at www.limelighttheatre.com.