BUTLER TWP — "Sweet Charity" opened Thursday night at the Succop Theatre on the campus of the Butler County Community College and will run through Sunday.

The show opened with a fabulous prologue by the orchestra under the direction of Karen O'Donnell.

"Sweet Charity" is a play about a girl who is looking for love in just about anyone she can find. Despite her circumstances and being taken in by men and loosing at the game of love, she remains positive and optimistic.

The show spawned the classics "If My Friends Could See Me Now" and "Hey Big Spender."

Charity is played by Amanda Tokarek who has a great set of pipes. This appearance is quite the departure from her Belle in "Beauty and the Beast."

She capably handles the high notes and the shimmies and seems genuine throughout the show. She maintained the energy and intensity needed for such numbers as "If My Friends Could See me Now" and "Where am I going?"

Her dance hall partners, Helene and Nicki played by Davlin Hupp and Tammy Erkman, are great in their supporting roles. The camaraderie of the girls is believable.

Most poignant was the duet they sang called "Baby Dream your Dream."

Patrick Erkman and Phillip Ball also offered up some memorable moments on stage.

A pleasant surprise was Austin Stockard, who played Oscar, the well intentioned young suitor of Charity. His bold vocals during the songs were clear and the lines well sung.

The dancers did a fabulous job in "Rich Man's Frug." Clad in black tie and tails and flapper dresses, the girls were definitely in synch and a pleasure to watch.

Another well choreographed number was the Tap Dance segment of "I'm a Brass Band."

The choreographers for the production were Shannan Dorcy and Kristen Mason.

In the second half, the ensemble was involved in "Rhythm of Life," which was a tie-dyed action packed energetic sequence with great vocals as well.

The entire show had somewhat of a 1960s vibe to it and seemed like a series of vignettes rather than a flowing production.

The Thursday night performance was a benefit for the YWCA. Sponsored by the Butler Eagle, proceeds will be used for free care services for YWCA Personal Care Residence.

It was an amusing evening of entertainment.