Book by Neil Simon Music by Cy Coleman Lyrics by Dorothy Fields Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Plaiano Produced for the Broadway Stage by Fryer, Carr and Harris Conceived, Staged and Choreographed by Bob Fosse  Directed by Anthony Guest. Musical direction by Fred Love Before Chicago there was Sweet Charity. Charity Hope Valentine who, despite her job as a dancer at the seedy Fan-Dango Ballroom, is an eternal optimist who loves too much. She just happens to be the unluckiest romantic in New York City! The musical Sweet Charity is a warm, touching and humorous look at her trials and tribulations, as she repeatedly gives her heart, and her savings, to the wrong man. Adapted from Nights of Cabiria, a film by Federico Fellini, the musical Sweet Charity includes hits such as Hey, Big Spender,Rhythm of Life, and If My Friends Could See Me Now.