Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Arts & Culture
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Arts & Culture

Department of Drama Opens 2022/2023 Season With ‘Sweet Charity’

Wednesday, October 12, 2022, By Joanna Penalva
Share
College of Visual and Performing ArtsDepartment of DramaStudentsSyracuse Stage

artwork for "Sweet Charity" an SU Department of Drama production

The Syracuse University Department of Drama begins the 2022/2023 season on Oct. 15 with the popular musical “Sweet Charity” directed by David Lowenstein and choreographed by Kira Schmidt-Carper, with musical direction by Brian Cimmet. Performances will be held Oct. 15-23 in the Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Complex at 820 East Genesee St. Tickets are available through the Syracuse Stage Box Office or by phone at 315.443.3275.

Written by Neil Simon with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, “Sweet Charity” is an integral part of the musical theater lore of Gwen Verdon and Bob Fosse, filled with great songs and plenty of humor. Some of the original show’s dazzling choreography is incorporated in the Department of Drama’s current production with “Rich Man’s Frug” guest-choreographed by Verdon Fosse Legacy Dancer Lloyd Culbreath. And featuring such famous tunes as “Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “I’m a Brass Band” and “Baby, Dream Your Dream,” this treasure from the ’60s is packed with heart, energy and genuine affection for the art of musical theater.

Self-acceptance and self-discovery are major themes throughout this season’s productions according to Department Chair Ralph Zito, and “Sweet Charity” is no exception. At the heart of “Sweet Charity” is Charity Hope Valentine, romantic and optimistic, who is trying to make a life for herself in the big, bad city. In moments of intense dance and song, audiences will see Charity on a quest for transformative self-love. Lowenstein wants audiences to remember that the Fosse-filled energy, glitz and glam of this hit musical come with a deeper message: “The search for love is always a worthwhile goal.”

The message of self-love extends beyond the stage, however, as Schmidt-Carper, alongside Lowenstein and the production team, worked to create a rehearsal atmosphere packed with dance wellness and joy. “This show is a celebration of self,” says Schmidt-Carper. “And this company’s work on and off stage is no different.”

Show Details for ‘Sweet Charity’

  • Book by Neil Simon
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
  • Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano
  • Directed by David Lowenstein
  • Music directed by Brian Cimmet
  • Choreographed by Kiira Schmidt-Carper
  • Scenic design by Jason Zong (he/him)
  • Costume design by Adeline Santello (she/her)
  • Lighting design by Ben Wolfe (he/him)
  • Sound design by Jacqueline R. Herter (she/her)
  • Dialect coaching by Blake Segal (he/him)
  • Fight/stunt choreography by Alec Barbour (he/him)
  • Intimacy choreography by Hannah Roccisano
  • Dramaturg: Carrie DeGraw (she/her)
  • Stage manager: Emma Yehle (she/her)

Cast

  • Katarina Kelly (she/her) as Charity
  • Stella Schwartz (she/her) as Nickie
  • Olivia Lacie Andrews (she/her) as Helene
  • Sarah Bottino (they/she) as Herman
  • Jay Owens (he/him) as Vittorio Vidal, Daddy Brubeck
  • Sammy Haines (he/him) as Oscar
  • Charlotte Bush (she/her) as Ursula, ensemble
  • Jess Ceretta (she/her)—ensemble
  • Eve Dillingham (she/her)—ensemble
  • Rachel Langetieg (she/her)—ensemble
  • Gabriela Moncivais (she/her)—ensemble
  • Sofia Swensen (she/her)—ensemble
  • Shaun Collins (he/him)—ensemble
  • Michael Di Leo (he/him)—ensemble
  • Tobias Rytting (he/him)—ensemble
  • Truman Tinius (he/him)—ensemble
  • Isaiah Tucker (he/they)—ensemble
  • Dylan Knight Weaver (he/him) as Charlie, ensemble

Swings

Ethan Clark Davis (he/him), McKay Marshall (she/her), Axel Vera (he/him)

Understudies

  • Jess Cerretta (Helene)
  • Rachel Langetieg (Nickie)
  • Gabriela Moncivais (Charity)
  • Michael Di Leo (Herman)
  • Tobias Rytting (Vittorio Vidal, Daddy Brubeck)
  • Dylan Knight Weaver (Oscar)

Performances

  • Friday, Oct. 14, 8 p.m. (preview)
  • Saturday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m. (opening)
  • Sunday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 22, 2 p.m. (Open captioned)
  • Saturday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m. (ASL interpreted)

Additional Credits

  • Dance captain: Rachel Langetieg
  • Assistant director: Ethan Harpole (he/him)
  • Assistant choreographer: Emma Sucato (she/her)
  • Assistant scenic designer: Luke Blumencranz (he/him)
  • Assistant costume designer: Lillian Benge (she/her)
  • Assistant lighting designers: Brooklyn Green (she/her), Mabel McPhee
  • Assistant sound designer: Jay Korter
  • Assistant stage managers: Mia Font-Lorie (she/her), Emily Kellner (she/her)
  • Casting associates: Carrie DeGraw, Anthony Islam
  • Casting assistant: Ellen Kingman
  • Wigs provided by Wigboys
  • Author

Joanna Penalva

  • Recent
  • Auxiliary Services Announces Next Steps in Office Refreshment, Vending Transitions
    Thursday, August 14, 2025, By Jennifer DeMarchi
  • Whitman School Names Julie Niederhoff as Chair of Marketing Department
    Wednesday, August 13, 2025, By Caroline K. Reff
  • Syracuse Stage Announces Auditions for 2025-26 Theatre for the Very Young Production ‘Tiny Martians, Big Emotions’
    Wednesday, August 13, 2025, By Joanna Penalva
  • 5 Things to Know About New Student Convocation Speaker Andrea-Rose Oates ’26
    Wednesday, August 13, 2025, By John Boccacino
  • Art Museum Launches Fall 2025 Season With Dynamic, Interdisciplinary Exhibitions
    Tuesday, August 12, 2025, By Taylor Westerlund

More In Arts & Culture

Syracuse Stage Announces Auditions for 2025-26 Theatre for the Very Young Production ‘Tiny Martians, Big Emotions’

Syracuse Stage is seeking non-equity actors to audition for the Theatre for the Very Young production of “Tiny Martians, Big Emotions,” conceived and directed by Kate Laissle. The show is a touring educational program as part of the company’s 2025-26…

Art Museum Launches Fall 2025 Season With Dynamic, Interdisciplinary Exhibitions

The Syracuse University Art Museum kicks off its fall season on Aug. 26 with four new exhibitions that reflect the museum’s mission to foster diverse and inclusive perspectives and unite students across disciplines with the local and global community. From…

How Artists Are Embracing Artificial Intelligence to Create Works of Art

Artists have always embraced new technologies to push the boundaries of their creations—balancing imagination and authenticity with innovation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no different, says Rebecca Xu, professor of computer art and animation in the Department of Film and Media…

Art Museum Faculty Fellows Leverage Collections to Enhance Teaching

Four faculty members have been named Syracuse University Art Museum Faculty Fellows for the 2025-26 academic year. The fellows program, now in its fourth year, supports innovative curriculum development and the fuller integration of the museum’s collection in University instruction….

Syracuse Stage Announces Cast and Production Team of Musical ‘The Hello Girls’

Syracuse Stage announced an exciting new cast and creative team for “The Hello Girls,” with music and lyrics by Peter Mills and book by Peter Mills and Cara Reichel. Featuring fresh orchestrations, new staging and reworked material, this new production…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.