In the latest in a series of surprise developments regarding the Broadway-bound revisal of Sweet Charity, it has just been announced that the production will open on Broadway on May 4, two weeks after its originally announced opening date of April 21. The production will begin previews at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on April 11.
However, Christina Applegate — the official star of the show — will not perform at that first preview. Standby Charlotte d’Amboise, who assumed the title role in the production after Applegate broke her foot while the show was trying out in Chicago and who played the role for the entire Boston leg of the tryout tour, will star as Charity for the first week of performances. Applegate is scheduled to assume the role permanently as of April 18.
Producer Barry Weissler said, “I spent the weekend on the telephone with Christina Applegate, who made a passionate and compelling case for moving forward with our Broadway plans. Her doctor also confirmed this morning that she will be ready and able to resume performances on April 18. I have approached my partners on the show and we have all agreed to put up the additional funds necessary to accommodate this new schedule. I guess the only thing left for me to do is ask everyone to please refrain from using the old showbiz adage, ‘break a leg!’ ”
To access Michael Portantiere’s review of Sweet Charity as seen during its Boston run, click here.