Sweet Charity's creative roster reads like a Who's Who of Broadway Titans:
Music, Cy Coleman; Lyrics, Dorothy Fields; a book by Neil Simon; conceived, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.
It starred Bob's wife (and muse) Gwen Verdon and John McMartin, the latter of whom would repeat the role of Oscar in the film version.
Above and below, the marvelous Gwen with "If My Friends Could See Me Now", with a signature Fosse top hat.
What faces!
Albert Linville, Nathaniel Frey, and Jimmy Komack as 3 big "Heart"-ed Washington Sentors in Damn Yankees.
Below, more Gwen as the original Lola, and a devilish Mr. Applegate, Ray Walston.
Julie Andrews was a green 22 years when she was cast as Eliza Doolittle, not quite ready to star with Rex Harrison. By the 2nd week of rehearsal, it was apparent that she needed help, and Alan Jay Lerner coached her in the role (lending her a bushel of confidence) over a long weekend of work. The cast returned to Monday to a stronger Eliza, ready to work with over-bearing Rex and Company!
OH, to be able to speak that line: "Gin was mother's milk to her!"
We'll also hear the title song from Mame, with Charles Braswell as Beauregard, above with Angela Lansbury...
...and below, Angela with Frankie Michaels as Patrick, the youngest actor to ever receive a Tony (at least at that time! He may have lost that record when Matilda came along).
Replacement/touring stars from Mame: above, Ginger Rodgers,
and below, Janet Blair (on the right) with Elaine Stritch as Vera (now THAT would have been a hoot!)
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