Sally Spieth’s second act takes a star turn with Charity Valentine.
The one-time banker who blossomed on stage in The Villages marks her first starring role in “Sweet Charity,” March 5-7 at Savannah Center.
“The audience has to love Charity or this show doesn’t work,” said Director Bill Davis. “The audience will love Sally. She’s a triple threat who can sing, dance and act.
But the big thing is that Sally has heart, and that’s what Charity Valentine is all about.”
Spieth grew up near Cleveland and worked in banking and financial planning most of her life. She found a new calling when she and her husband, Ron, moved to The Village of Santo Domingo 11 years ago.
Her second act of life began in a dance class with Marge Blakely. Soon after, she started doing bit parts in local productions and dance companies. The roles got bigger and now, here she is – the star.
“For me this is a dream; the role of a lifetime,” Spieth said during a break in rehearsal. She has red hair, a warm, engaging personality and ready smile. She’s a fluid dancer and possesses a soft singing voice, with enough range to pack an emotional wallop.
And – like Charity – Sally’s a blast to be around.
“Sally has this lovable empathy,” said Jack Filkins, who plays Oscar, one of Charity’s love interests. “Sally personifies Charity. She plays her with such sweetness and naiveté. But then, out of nowhere, she will hit you with a zinger and POW—she nails you. She’s a perfect Charity.”
Davis agrees.
“Charity is a person in love with love,” he said. “Sally captures that and also Charity’s generosity. Charity can be tough and she wants to change, but people are always taking advantage of her.”
Spieth feels comfortable in the role of the dance hall girl who keeps her integrity while looking for love.
“I can relate to Charity,” she said. “She’s in a tough, sleazy business but able to keep her innocence. I feel a lot in common with Charity. I love singing and dancing, and making people laugh and feel good.”
Shirley MacLaine made “Sweet Charity” famous in a 1969 musical film based on a Broadway hit. The film was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, written by Neil Simon, with music by Cy Coleman. Two of the most memorable songs are “Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now.”
The Villages’ production features choreography by Sue Schuler, who also performs. Kent Ingram is the music director, with Jo Ann Hanebrink, accompanist. The cast numbers around 30 performers – including Kathy Chesley–Williams, Bob Brandoni, Mollie McCarthy and Sam Rosalsky. An orchestra of 20 supplies the music. All told, over 60 people are working on the show.
This is an elaborate, big local production and Spieth is the main attraction.
“She can handle it,” Filkins said. “In this show, Sally has just amplified her own personality. She’s generous and funny. As Charity, Sally comes across as being sincere and slightly timid – but she is a street smart woman. Her pace and demeanor change as the show goes on, and she makes it work.”
“I knew she could do it,” Davis said. “She’s an actress with a great sense of humor. But when the role calls for it, Sally can be serious. She’s up to the challenge.”
In her early shows here, Spieth suffered from stage fright.
“It took me some time to overcome that,” she said. “I thought, ‘Oh God, all those people are looking at me.’ A lot of people helped me and I found out if you work hard and prepare, you don’t have to fear anything. Now I feel like the stage is home.”
So is The Villages – a place where Sally Spieth found a new role to play.
“I feel so blessed I can do this at this stage of my life,” she said. “Where else could this happen to me?”
