Sure, she’s funny. But can she sing and dance? Chicago will learn the answer soon enough when Christina Applegate, best known for her role as Kelly Bundy on the sitcom “Married . . . With Children,” takes the stage next week for the pre-Broadway tryout of “Sweet Charity” at the Cadillac Palace (312-902-1400). The 1966 musical–based on a considerably darker Federico Fellini film–has an indelible score, including “Big Spender” and “Rhythm of Life,” plus Bob Fosse’s iconic choreography. Applegate, a Broadway neophyte, steps into shoes once filled by Gwen Verdon, Shirley MacLaine, Debbie Allen and Ann Reinking. For skeptics and musical lovers alike, here is a brief look back at the story behind the show.
TIMELINE
1957
THE ORIGINAL
“Le Notti di Cabiria,” Federico Fellini’s absurdist film on the old hooker-with-a-heart-of-gold story about a wild-eyed prostitute named Cabiria who trolls the outskirts of post-war Rome.
Who’s that girl?
Fellini’s wife, Giulietta Masina, plays the abrasive clown-whore.
1966
THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
Fellini’s film is adapted and renamed “Sweet Charity.” Gone is Fellini’s existential angst, replaced by Neil Simon’s snappy one-liners, director-choreographer Bob Fosse’s sinewy moves and a jazzy score composed by Cy Coleman and lyricist Dorothy Fields.
Who’s that girl?
Fosse’s wife, Gwen Verdon, as a chipper, swinging ’60s Manhattan taxi dancer.
1969
THE MOVIE OF THE MUSICAL
Fosse’s cinematic directorial debut, complete with photo-still montages, re-creates many of the visual jokes in the original Fellini film. Cast includes Sammy Davis Jr., Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen and Stubby Kaye.
Who’s that girl?
Shirley MacLaine at her perkiest.
1986
THE BROADWAY REVIVAL
Fosse re-creates the 1966 staging; the production wins five Tonys, including Best Featured Actress for Bebe Neuwirth.
Who’s that girl? Debbie Allen (left), on break from the television series, “Fame,” trains with Verdon to learn the dance moves of the original. Later, Fosse disciple and paramour Anne Reinking (right) takes over for Allen.
1987
THE PASSING
Fosse dies of a heart attack at the age of 60, just hours before the curtain went up on the Washington, D.C., opening of “Sweet Charity.”
1998
THE HOMAGE
Verdon and Reinking create the Broadway show, “Fosse,” a performance collection of the choreographer’s best-known works.
2005
THE SECOND BROADWAY REVIVAL
Director Walter Bobbie embarks on his second Fosse project (he won a 1997 Tony for his revival of “Chicago”). The production will reportedly include two Coleman/Fields songs written for an unproduced 1960s musical and tweaks to the script by writer Simon.
Who’s that girl? Christina Applegate, last seen opposite Will Ferrell in “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” tackles the role.
