Director Walter Bobbie has transformed Sweet Charity into a charming contemporary tale, and since old versions are not playing across the street, why compare? Christina Applegate is an adorable, absolutely delightful, gamine, with both a grace and gracelessness that are totally captivating. The production (dazzling set by Scott Pask, fine lighting by Brian MacDevitt) around her is a slick contrast to her ingenuousness, with eccentric, stylized choreography by Wayne Cilento, who in some parts creates his own exciting new vocabulary. Costumes by William Ivey Long are made for real dancing, and the chorus really dances.
The story is rather light and short, and the show's filled with production numbers to entertain us between the progress of the plot, and they mostly do a good job. Denis O'Hare, cute as hell, shines in the "stuck in an elevator" scene with Applegate with his physical comedy, and Paul Schoeffler, Ernie Sabella, Janine LaManna and Kyra Da Costa are all strong and appealing in their roles. The whole conception is visually exciting, and it's a privilege to see a star of Applegate's magnitude, exuding talent and personality, live on the stage - she's absolutely riveting (and gorgeous).
