Sweet Charity 1942

Opened: December 28, 1942

Sweet Charity - 1942 - Broadway History , Info & More

Mansfield Theatre
256 W. 47th St. New York, NY 10036

Dance along with the optimism of Sweet Charity, a heartwarming musical bursting with infectious energy. Set in 1960s New York City, the story revolves around Charity Hope Valentine, a kind-hearted dance hall hostess with an unwavering belief in true love. Despite a string of bad luck with men who constantly take advantage of her good nature, Charity remains hopeful for a happy ending.



Working at the tacky "Fan-Dango Ballroom," Charity spends her days surrounded by cynical colleagues and jaded customers. Yet, she never loses her cheerful spirit. When a chance encounter lands her with Vittorio Vidal, a glamorous movie star, Charity believes she's finally found her knight in shining armor. However, her dreams are shattered when she discovers Vidal is just another self-absorbed user.



Sweet Charity, with its unforgettable score by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and girl power. Showstopping numbers like "Hey Big Spender" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now" capture the energy of the era and Charity's unwavering optimism. Despite the string of disappointments, Charity's journey is ultimately one of self-discovery and finding strength within herself. The musical celebrates the power of hope, friendship, and the importance of staying true to your dreams.

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Cast Revealed For FAREWELL MISTER HAFFMANN at Bath Theatre Royal
by Stephi Wild - Jul 5, 2023


Adam Blanshay Productions and Norel Productions have announced full casting for Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s Farewell Mister Haffmann, the English language world première of one of France’s most successful new plays.

PACIFIC OVERTURES, CLOSE UP - THE TWIGGY MUSICAL, and More Set For Menier Chocolate Factory 2023 Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2023


With Marjorie Prime currently running at the company's home base in South London and Funny Girl on Broadway, the Menier Chocolate Factory announced forthcoming programming for 2023. Learn more about the lineup here!

BACK TO THE FUTURE North American Tour to Launch Summer 2024
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 28, 2023


The 2022 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical will launch a North American Tour in the summer of 2024. See tour stops, and learn how to purchase tickets!

Irving Berlin's HOLIDAY INN to be Presented at The Lyceum Theater Directed by Broadway's Nikki Snelson
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 9, 2022


Vanguard University's department of theatre arts will present the musical adaptation of the 1940's Christmas movie classic, Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn. The production is presented in the Lyceum Theater on the Vanguard University campus, beginning November 18th, 2022 and running three weekends through December 11th. 

Cast Announced For UK and Ireland Tour of MY FAIR LADY
by Stephi Wild - Aug 24, 2022


Casting has been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of Bartlett Sher's critically acclaimed and multi award-winning production of Lerner & Loewe's much loved MY FAIR LADY, which comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 8 March – Sunday 26 March 2023.

Jefferson Performing Arts Society Announces Directors for 45th Season
by Marissa Tomeo - May 29, 2022


Jefferson Performing Arts Society proudly announces its 45th season mainstage directors, featuring directors based in New Orleans, New York, and San Antonio. Several directors are returning to JPAS after directing or performing with JPAS in recent seasons; two make their JPAS directorial debut this season. The following overview includes shows that are part of JPAS mainstage season subscription packages, currently on sale. Single ticket sales open June 6th for all 45th season shows. For a full schedule of the entire 2022-2023 season which includes season specials such as ballets, concerts, and other special performances in addition to those listed below, please visit www.jpas.org.

Grandes mujeres que cambiaron la historia del Teatro Musical
by Cristina Martinez - Mar 8, 2021


En el día internacional de la mujer queríamos rendir homenaje a alguna de las grandes mujeres que forjaron el teatro musical y cambiaron la historia de Broadway y del teatro musical internacional.

BWW Exclusive: The 101 Greatest MOVIE MUSICALS of All Time
by Peter Nason - Mar 30, 2020


BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the best film musicals since the sound era began; see if your favorites made the list!

Stage and Screen Actress Paula Kelly Dies at 77
by Kaitlin Milligan - Feb 11, 2020


Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT) and the family of Paula Kelly announced today that Emmy-nominated actress, dancer, choreographer and singer, Paula Kelly died on Saturday, February 8, 2020 in Whittier, California from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She was 77.

Riverside Theatre Presents Neil Simon's LOST IN YONKERS
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 14, 2020


Riverside Theatre, led by Producing Artistic Director/CEO Allen D. Cornell and Managing Director/COO Jon R. Moses along with Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers Group, presents Neil Simon's Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning comic drama, Lost in Yonkers. Sponsored by Bobbie Olsen and presented by Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers Group, Lost in Yonkers performs on the Stark Stage February 4-23, 2020. 

Sonoma Speaker Series Presents A Conversation With Donna McKechnie
by A.A. Cristi - May 14, 2019


The Sonoma Speaker Series is partnering with Transcendence Theatre Company to bring Donna McKechnie to our stage! McKechnie is a professional dancer, singer, actress, choreographer, and author whose illustrious career has spanned more than 50 years. She is regarded internationally as one of Broadway's foremost singing and dancing leading ladies.

Daniel Robert Sullivan's CONVICTION (An Irish Pub Song Musical: 1942) Will Have an Industry Reading
by Stephi Wild - Jul 22, 2018


A new musical with traditional tunes and a historical spin will receive a developmental reading on July 25th, 2018 at the Dramatists Guild Foundation Music Hall on 40th St. in Manhattan.

Lincoln Center Theater Announces Full Casting For MY FAIR LADY
by Stephi Wild - Jan 31, 2018


Lincoln Center Theater (under the direction of Andre Bishop) has announced complete casting for its upcoming production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY. As previously reported, Lauren Ambrose will be playing as Eliza Doolittle and Harry Hadden-Paton will play Henry Higgins, alongside Norbert Leo Butz as Alfred P. Doolittle and Diana Rigg as Mrs. Higgins. Just announced are: Allan Corduner as Colonel Pickering, Jordan Donica as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, Linda Mugleston as Mrs. Pearce, and Manu Narayan as Zoltan Karpathy.

Carrie St. Louis, Laura Michelle Kelly, 54 SINGS BILLY JOEL and More Set for This Month at Feinstein's/54 Below
by BWW News Desk - Nov 1, 2017


This November, Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

MISS NIGHTINGALE THE MUSICAL Continues Eight-Week London Run at The Vaults
by BWW News Desk - Apr 4, 2017


After five UK tours the original British musical, Miss Nightingale by Matthew Bugg, finally enjoys an extended London run six years after a small-scale production of the show was first seen in the capital. Miss Nightingale the musical transfers to The Vaults for an eight-week residency from 30 March to 20 May.

MISS NIGHTINGALE THE MUSICAL to Enjoy Eight-Week London Run at The Vaults
by BWW News Desk - Feb 22, 2017


After five UK tours the original British musical, Miss Nightingale by Matthew Bugg, finally enjoys an extended London run six years after a small-scale production of the show was first seen in the capital. Miss Nightingale the musical transfers to The Vaults for an eight-week residency from 30 March to 20 May.

David Engel, Jason Graae and More Set for Rubicon's RODGERS & HART & HAMMERSTEIN This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - May 16, 2015


The Janet and Mark L. Goldenson Broadway Musical Concert Series at Rubicon Theatre Company continues with three concerts celebrating the genius of two of the most prolific and most important writing teams in musical theatre history in a show entitled RODGERS & HART & HAMMERSTEIN.

David Engel, Jason Graae and More Set for Rubicon's RODGERS & HART & HAMMERSTEIN This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - May 11, 2015


The Janet and Mark L. Goldenson Broadway Musical Concert Series at Rubicon Theatre Company continues with three concerts celebrating the genius of two of the most prolific and most important writing teams in musical theatre history in a show entitled RODGERS & HART & HAMMERSTEIN.

Jaap van Zweden Leads NY Philharmonic This Week
by BWW News Desk - Nov 26, 2014


This week, Mr. van Zweden will lead the Orchestra in Korngold's Violin Concerto, with Hilary Hahn as soloist; Beethoven's Symphony No. 7; and J. Wagenaar's Cyrano de Bergerac Overture, marking the Philharmonic's first time performing the work, tonight, November 26, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, November 28 at 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday, November 29 at 8:00 p.m.

Jaap van Zweden Leads NY Philharmonic Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Nov 20, 2014


Jaap van Zweden - music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Hong Kong Philharmonic as well as former concertmaster of Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra - will return to the New York Philharmonic for the first time since his debut in April 2012 to conduct two weeks of concerts. In the first program, Mr. van Zweden will conduct Mozart's Sinfonia concertante for Violin and Viola, featuring Acting Concertmaster Sheryl Staples and Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps, and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 8, tonight, November 20, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, November 21 at 2:00 p.m.; and Saturday, November 22 at 8:00 p.m.

Jaap van Zweden to Lead NY Philharmonic in Two Programs, 11/20-22 & 11/26-29
by BWW News Desk - Oct 14, 2014


Jaap van Zweden - music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Hong Kong Philharmonic as well as former concertmaster of Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra - will return to the New York Philharmonic for the first time since his debut in April 2012 to conduct two weeks of concerts. In the first program, Mr. van Zweden will conduct Mozart's Sinfonia concertante for Violin and Viola, featuring Acting Concertmaster Sheryl Staples and Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps, and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 8, Thursday, November 20, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, November 21 at 2:00 p.m.; and Saturday, November 22 at 8:00 p.m.

Northlight Theatre to Present LOST IN YONKERS, 5/2-6/8
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 11, 2014


Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon, directed by Devon de Mayo. The production will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, from May 2 - June 8, 2014. The Press Opening is Friday, May 9, at 7:30 pm.

Michael Praed Stars in THE WHITE CARNATION at Jermyn Street Theatre, Beg. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Feb 4, 2014


Following a critically acclaimed and sell-out run at the Finborough Theatre, the first production in sixty years of R. C. Sherriff's supernatural drama, The White Carnation transfers for a limited three week run to Jermyn Street Theatre, opening tonight, 4 February 2014 (Press Night: Thursday, 6 February 2014 at 7.30pm). The show stars Michael Praed (Design for Living - West End, Robin of Sherwood, Dynasty) who joins the existing superlative Finborough Theatre cast, which includes acclaimed newcomer Daisy Boulton and Benjamin Whitrow (Mr. Bennet in BBC's Pride and Prejudice).

Michael Praed to Star in THE WHITE CARNATION at Jermyn Street Theatre from Feb 4
by BWW News Desk - Jan 7, 2014


Following a critically acclaimed and sell-out run at the Finborough Theatre, the first production in sixty years of R. C. Sherriff's supernatural drama, The White Carnation transfers for a limited three week run to Jermyn Street Theatre, opening on Tuesday, 4 February 2014 (Press Night: Thursday, 6 February 2014 at 7.30pm). The show stars Michael Praed (Design for Living - West End, Robin of Sherwood, Dynasty) who joins the existing superlative Finborough Theatre cast, which includes acclaimed newcomer Daisy Boulton and Benjamin Whitrow (Mr. Bennet in BBC's Pride and Prejudice).

'Beach Party' Star Annette Funicello Dies at Age 70
by Caryn Robbins - Apr 8, 2013


Actress Annette Funicello, long-time Disney and Beach Party star, passed away on Monday April 8 at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, CA, at the age of 70.

Sweet Charity FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Sweet Charity have there been?
Sweet Charity has had 1 productions including Broadway which opened in 1942.

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