If her “Breakfast Club” friends could see her now, they might miss Molly Ringwald?s silver screen moments.
The famous red-headed actress stars as a Betty Boop version of the lead in “Sweet Charity,” playing at The Hippodrome.
In the musical, Ringwald plays Charity Hope Valentine, an ever-optimistic taxi dancer at a shady dance hall called Fandango. Men trample over her naive heart, using her for the small amount of money she earns. When Charity meets a real gentleman, Oscar Lindquist, a happy ending seems inevitable.
The cutesy story, based on a screenplay by Tullio Pinelli, Ennio Flaiano and the incomparable Federico Fellini, glosses over the gritty realities of the “rent a body business.”
Ringwald?s perfect comedic timing and ability to craft drama quickly may unfortunately be forgotten when compared with her shaky dancing andsinging capabilities. Her character?s slightly grating high-pitched accent doesn?t recess during potentially show-stopping tunes. Ringwald, occasionally out of breath, isn?t the consummate entertainer. She lacks the pipes and poise needed to carry a big number. It?s hard to decipher whether the lacking talent is a part of her character or Ringwald herself. Next to pristine dancers and harmonizing singers, it?s clear Ringwald isn?t meant for Broadway productions.
Ensemble routines entertain but slide between bad parodies of psychedelic times, a la a scene from “Austin Powers,” and moments of brilliance by Bob Fosse. The Pompeii Club dance scene is dynamic, combining the angles that Fosse was famous for with tight, jerking sexualized movements uncharacteristic of traditional Broadway dances.
Dancers and singers in the infamous “Big Spender” number are obviously skilled but would be more powerful if given intense or intricate actions and movements.
The elevator scene, between Ringwald and Guy Adkins as Oscar, is by far the funniest in the entire production. Adkins is a breath of fresh air as he quips for sharp jokes and contorts his body for the sake of physical comedy.
Nickie and Helene, Charity?s closest friends at Fandango, played by Kathryn Mowat Murphy and Francesca Harper, are bright spots in “There?s Gotta Be Something Better Than This.” Performing a lively Spanish-inspired number, Murphy and Harper are a cheerful distraction from an otherwise weak number.
IF YOU GO
Sweet Charity
» Venue: The Hippodrome, 12 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore
» Times: 2 and 8 p.m Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, and 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, through April 22
» Tickets: $30 to $70
» More info: 1-800-343-3103
