As Mother’s Day weekend approaches, the madness that is the month of May is in full swing. Prom. Commencement. Awards programs, presentations and concerts of every kind.
The busy nature of the last full month of the school year is a major reason why just about every high school in the area has completed their annual spring musical by this time, scheduling them for April and especially in March.
But Madison High School has yet to unveil their hard work this spring. That ends this weekend when they will present their annual spring musical, “Sweet Charity,” at 7:30 p.m. May 11, 12 and 13 and at 2 p.m. May 13 at the Rabbit Run Theatre barn on Chapel Road in Madison. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. Toddlers 2 and under are free. Tickets are only available via online advanced sale.
Madison High School does not have a full-size auditorium like many other schools. The main stage in the school is actually at one end of the gymnasium, which is where commencement is often held every year. During the pandemic, Madison Theatre produced both “Chicago: High School Edition” and a very creative staging of “Disney’s High School Musical: On Stage” in that space.
But usually, Madison Theatre enjoys a generous partnership with Rabbit Run Theatre, using their historic barn theatre for their performances. This year, the weather is looking like it will provide a great environment for an evening — or afternoon — at the theater.
“Sweet Charity” is directed by yours truly with music direction by Ed Wiles, choreography by Jailyn Harris and Casey Couch, and tech direction by Erik Katko. “Sweet Charity” features book by legendary American comedic playwright Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. “Sweet Charity” is based on an original screenplay by Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano. It was first produced for the Broadway stage in 1965 by Fryer, Carr and Harris, and was conceived, staged and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse. The musical was eventually made into a film with Shirley MacLaine as Charity.
“Sweet Charity” is known for its comedic story about a dance hall hostess in New York City. The Big Apple of the 1960s was a grimier city than it is today but just as alive with characters. Charity is not in a profession that is known for romance, but she retains the “sweet” notion that it is still possible for everyone — even her — despite all evidence to the contrary. Is it? Find out and enjoy classic songs like “Hey, Big Spender,” “If They Could See Me Now” and “The Rhythm of Life” along the way. Also enjoy Fosse’s epic “Rich Man’s Frug” dance sequence in a pleasant evening at the barn!
Senior Libby Worthy leads the cast and crew of 40 other Madison students who have been working hard for the last three months to bring you a great staging of this challenging, classic musical. Come see us at the barn — and if you do, be sure to say hello!
