"We've been doing upbeat, turn-of-the-century, tongue-and-cheek shows, and I wanted to go a lot darker," said Jimmy Hippenstiel, the show's director. "This is a comedy with substance."
A few expletives have been deleted to suit the audience, but Hippenstiel said he has stuck to the script as much as possible.
Auditions began at the end of September, and the cast has rehearsed once a week since October -- with daily runs this week leading up to the show.
The young actors from across Orange County agreed that this show presents new challenges for them.
"I'm used to satire and not-so-deep characters," said Allison Lobel, 17, a Corona del Mar High School senior who plays the lead role of Charity. "This one is complicated and harder to get into."
Cast members are doing what they can to feel comfortable in their respective roles. Hailey Tweter, a 13-year-old Newport Coast resident, said she invented a back story for her character.
Jessica Sukert, a 14-year-old Newport Coast resident, said this show fits her personality well.
"I'm more 'Big Spender' than go to the beach," said Sukert, who plays one of Charity's best friends.
Hippenstiel said he has wanted the Musical Theatre Academy of Orange County to perform "Sweet Charity" for years.
"I've always liked the show," he said. "It's a good collection of songs, and the dance numbers are contagious."
So much so that Hippenstiel, as he is known to do, dances along to some of the numbers -- such as "Big Spender" -- during rehearsals. He is particularly animated during one of one of Charity's opening dances.
On stage, characters are continually weaving in and out of each other. Eleven-year-old Marc Cohen, who plays evangelist Big Daddy, said this has been a challenging show.
"When I first learned how to talk like the character, it was kind of hard. It's a fun part now; I like doing it," Cohen said.
