“There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This”- Sweet Charity
Meg Barbeau- Charity
Uta Hagen’s 9 Questions
1. Who am I?
My name is Charity Hope Valentine. I am a taxi dancer at the Fandango Ballroom in New York City. I have
a heart tattoo with my ex boyfriend, Charlie’s, name on my left shoulder, crazy red hair and an
optimistic and forgiving personality. I am not overly bright, but I like to think my positive outlook on life
makes up for it. I like dancing, walking through Central Park, and dreaming about a better life outside of
where I am now. I have a taste for the finer things in life, but never seem to be lucky enough to obtain it.
2. What time is it?
It is the 1920’s on Manhattan Island. It is night time, just as we come up to my break at the Fandango
ballroom. Its summer, so it’s not the worst temperature, but the cool brisk night air sends chills up my
arms.
3. Where am I?
United States of America. New York State. New York City. Island of Manhattan. In the dressing room/on
the roof of the Fandango Ballroom.
4. What surrounds me?
In the dressing room: Nickie, Helene, mirrors, lights, makeup, chairs, my newly gifted hat and cane from
Vittorio Vidal
On the roof: Nickie, Helene, pipes, cement, lights of other buildings, other buildings, old cigarette buds,
steam from pipes, smoke
5. What are the given circumstances?
Life hadn’t been going so well. My boyfriend dumped me by pushing me into a lake and stealing my
purse. I work as a taxi dancer which isn’t the best life I could be living. I had just recently met/fainted in
front of/was brought back to the apartment of famous Italian movie star Vittorio Vidal, and thought I
had a chance, until his problematic girlfriend, Ursula comes back and I get shoved into the closet by a
typical man while they make up and have sex until 5am, and I can finally leave. I just think that this is
what I deserve, until Nickie brings up that there should be more to life than this.
6. What are my relationships?
Nickie and Helene: my closest friends, who also work at the Fandango Ballroom with me.
Vittorio Vidal: the Italian movie star who I danced with, fainted in front of, and who I thought I made a
romantic impression on, but was sadly naive and mistaken.
Herman: my fair, but quite unlikeable boss, the owner of the Fandango ballroom
7. What do I want?
Immediately, I want to prove to my friends that I am worth something. Overall, I want to be loved. I am
constantly on the search for love and for happiness, and strive for something better than I have.
8. What is in my way?
Nickie and Helene’s doubts, my situation, my profession, my naivety, my lack of knowledge retaining the
upper class world.
9. What do I do to get what I want?
I seek help/wisdom from other people.
Song Worksheet
Song: “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This” from Sweet Charity
Character: Charity Hope Valentine
Who am I talking to?
- I am talking to my closest friends, Nickie and Helene, as well as myself.
What do I want?
- I want to get out of this horrible life and find me a better one, because I know I deserve
something better.
What are the stakes? How badly do I want it?
- I want it desperately. I don’t want to be treated like dirt and I deserve respect which is why I
need to get out.
What are the stakes? What happens if I don’t get it?
- I will be stuck in the dumps of life and will never gain the respect or love that I so desperately
seek. I don’t want to be disrespected trash for the rest of my life.
