The minute they walked in the joint, reuniting members of Arcadians’ 1983 Sweet Charity production knew it was to be a night of fun, laughs and good times, as the show’s most famous song pronounces.
The Illawarra’s premier musical theatre company recently reprised the 1960s musical, and the 40 years since fell away as more than a dozen thespians gathered to reminisce and enjoy the new version. They included 1983 director Lilian Bates and Liz Geraghty, titular star of the show, which includes the songs Hey Big Spender, If They Could See Me Now and Rhythm of Life.
But for 1983 cast member David Lester and wife Kerry, who choreographed that show, the link with the past was particularly special – their son, Troy Lester-Reynolds, conceived in the months before the 1983 version hit the stage at the old Wollongong Town Hall, directed and choreographed the 2023 update.
David and Kerry expressed their pride in Troy and his achievement via social media before taking their seats in the front row for opening night’s flawless performance.
Of the familial link, Troy wrote in his program notes: “I guess you could say I was born with the Rhythm of Life in me”, dedicating the season to his uncle, Glen, David’s brother, who was in the 1983 ensemble and who passed away this year.
The 1983 cast numbered 34; the 2023 cast filled a smaller venue with similar volume and dynamism with just 19 players.
Arcadians president Steve Sanders said putting the 1983 show on was a feat in itself considering the limited stage in the annex.
“Yet we played to full houses who appreciated what they saw,” he said. “Now we are fortunate enough to present Sweet Charity in our own theatre. This is an achievement we are very proud of.”
Other 1983ers who attended included Beverley Craig, Sue Causer, Maureen Franciskovic with husband Tom, Tony and Rowena Sanderson, Pam Towns, Bob and Leonie Hinch, Peter Karos, John Wiseman, Jim McCallum, Maralyn Young and Phill Irvine.
Geraghty enjoyed a wide-ranging career on Illawarra stages that included dozens of roles in Arcadians productions. Catrina Ralph, the 2023 Charity, has been performing between the South Coast and Sydney for more than a decade and has toured Australia with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
The Arcadians, who will celebrate their 60th anniversary of bringing musical theatre to the Illawarra in June 2024, will present Pippin that month and Big Fish in February.
Sweet Charity is at The Arcadians' Miner's Lamp Theatre in Corrimal until November 18. Book tickets here