American Musical Theatre of San Jose Presents Molly Ringwald in "Sweet Charity"

FUN, LAUGHS, GOOD TIMES….

BROADWAY HIT SWEET CHARITY
IN ITS EXCLUSIVE BAY AREA ENGAGEMENT
STARRING MOLLY RINGWALD
SEPTEMBER 19 - OCTOBER 1, 2006
PRESENTED BY AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE OF SAN JOSE
AT THE SAN JOSE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2006) – As the show’s signature song asks, “Do you want to have fun?” American Musical Theatre of San Jose invites audiences to dance on over to SWEET CHARITY, the Broadway musical that offers fun, laughs, and good times, playing the San Jose Center for Performing Arts September 19 (also press night) – October 1, 2006. The sensational Molly Ringwald, star of Broadway's Cabaret and such memorable films as “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “Sixteen Candles,” takes center stage as Charity Hope Valentine—a true original, eternal optimist, and the unluckiest romantic in New York City. SWEET CHARITY’S “first-rate score by Cy Coleman with charming lyrics by Dorothy Fields” (The New York Times) includes the show-stopping numbers “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “Where Am I Going?” and “Big Spender.” Directed by Scott Faris (South Pacific, starring Robert Goulet), the show features knockout choreography by Wayne Cilento, winner of the Tony® award for The Who's Tommy, and Tony® nominated for such hits as Wicked and How To Succeed....

SWEET CHARITY will play Tuesday through Friday evening at 8pm, with two shows on Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm and 6:30pm. For tickets ($13.75 -$73) and information, the public may call 1-888-455-SHOW (7469) or visit www.amtsj.org. Groups of 10 or more may call
408-453-1523.

MOLLY RINGWALD’s big screen success began with the romantic comedy, “Pretty In Pink.” Other notable films include “The Breakfast Club,” “Sixteen Candles,” “The Pick-Up Artist” starring Robert Downey, Jr. and “Betsy’s Wedding.” A diverse talent, Ms. Ringwald turned her sights to television and received critical acclaim for her portrayal of real life AIDS victim Alison Gertz in “Something To Live For: The Alison Gertz Story.” She has returned to the stage in recent years and was seen in tick, tick boom’ Enchanted April and received rave reviews as ‘Sally Bowles’ in another Bob Fosse masterpiece, Cabaret.

With a book by NEIL SIMON based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Plaiano, SWEET CHARITY is a funny, poignant and tender look at the misadventures of Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess who always gives her heart and earnings to the wrong man.

SWEET CHARITY received three Tony® award nominations – Best Musical Revival, Best Choreography and Best Actress. This new production was hailed by USA Today as “exhilarating” and “a real kick.” The Wall Street Journal called SWEET CHARITY “a blast!” The 2005 Broadway Revival was directed by Walter Bobbie (CHICAGO).

Over the past seven decades, American Musical Theatre of San Jose has transformed from a local community civic light opera into a major regional arts institution, currently presenting touring Broadway shows, as well as self-produced musicals. Equally committed to community outreach, AMTSJ has pioneered innovative programs dedicated to supporting the community, while fostering an environment of diverse cultural opportunities. Specifically, the company’s extensive programs for the deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, and low-vision audiences have served as groundbreaking models for arts organizations nationwide. American Musical Theatre of San Jose thankfully acknowledges the following companies: Taylor Woodrow Homes; The Mercury News – Exclusive Newspaper Sponsor; JetBlue Airways, the official airline of AMTSJ; Larkspur Landing, the official hotel of AMTSJ casts & crew; and Equity Offices.









FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:

WHAT: As the show’s signature song asks, “Do you want to have fun?” Audiences are invited to dance on over to SWEET CHARITY, the Broadway musical that offers fun, laughs, and good times, starring the sensational Molly Ringwald. The star of Broadway's Cabaret and such memorable films as “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “Sixteen Candles,” Ms. Ringwald takes center stage as Charity Hope Valentine, a true original, eternal optimist, and the unluckiest romantic in New York City. SWEET CHARITY'S tuneful score features such hits as “Hey, Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now.” Featuring a hilarious book by the incomparable Neil Simon, this new production was hailed by USA Today as “exhilarating” and “a real kick.” The Wall Street Journal called SWEET CHARITY “a blast!” SWEET CHARITY is directed by Scott Faris, whose recent directing credits include international companies of Chicago in Australia, Austria, Sweden, and South Africa. The show features knockout choreography by Wayne Cilento who won a Tony® award for The Who's Tommy and has earned four Tony® nominations for such hits as Wicked and How To Succeed....

WHEN: Opens: September 19, 2006 (also press night)
Closes: October 1, 2006

TIMES:
Wednesday-Friday at 8:00pm
Saturday at 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday at 1:00pm and 6:30pm

WHERE:
American Musical Theatre of San Jose
All performances at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Boulevard
San Jose, CA 95110

TICKETS:

For tickets ($13.75 - $73) and information, the public may call
1-888-455-SHOW (-7469), or call 408-453-7108, or visit
www.amtsj.org. Group discounts are available by calling Lavene
Washington at 408-453-1523. Savings available for youths, seniors, and
subscribers.

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