Settling back into my seat at New York’s world famous Palace Theatre, I counted the minutes until the house lights would dim, tried not to squirm too much as the orchestra tuned their instruments, and then finally the curtain went up on fabulous Broadway legend Gwen Verdon (she of the flaming red hair and fabulous legs) in the smash musical hit of that season, “Sweet Charity.” It was all very thrilling.

Several years later the movie version hit the big screen, and then recently yet again “Sweet Charity” was back on Broadway starring the lovely Christina Applegate. But nothing ever could match the excitement of the first time I saw the show and the images I will forever associate with the two hours spent at the Palace Theatre that day. That is until I walked into Las Vegas’ newest version of “Sweet Charity”—Suite Charity!

This latest incarnation is far from just a play on words, believe me. This Suite Charity not only thrills, but is absolutely in sync with life today, as it tells a tale of some wonderfully kind and selfless souls who take it upon themselves to do some good in a world that needs such altruism now more than ever.

It’s set on a pretty big stage of almost 6,000 square feet (Showroom #B-162) in the second building of the Las Vegas Design Center at the World Market—which looks like it may very well do for furniture what the Palace Theatre did for show business, and become the mecca of the trade.

Suite Charity is truly an ensemble vehicle with members of the cast coming from three of Las Vegas’ major charities: Nevada Aids, Opportunity Village and Habitat for Humanity. The producers of this extravaganza (who truly are “angels”) are the staff and management of the Design and World Market Centers who have graciously donated the space as well as their precious time and energy for this heaven-blessed production.

And yes, there is a driving force behind this effort—the star and director, if you like—whose presence and dedication guarantees a box office bonanza at any time: the wonderful Dennis Dunn, Nevada Aids Executive Director. It was his vision that first created the successful “Gallery” for consigned products for Aids Nevada located in the Arts District downtown.

Dennis was recently instrumental yet again in helping to facilitate the immensely successful first Pre-Market Inventory Clearance Sale sponsored by the California Central/Nevada Chapter of ASID held at the Las Vegas Design Center. An incredible $67,570 was raised to be equally shared between the three charities now about to profit once more at Suite Charity.

The production opened on July 11, 2007, and has been a raging success ever since. Stage B-162 is filled to overflowing with all kinds of furniture and lamps in every style imaginable and at every price point. This show of shows truly has something for everyone. Major manufacturers and showrooms of great repute are the “angels” donating a good portion of the inventory. “Some of the product is consigned and a portion is even purchased by Aids Nevada to be resold at Suite Charity for prices far below the wholesale cost, sometimes as low as 70 percent or even lower,” said Dennis.

And talk about discount tickets! I spied a magnificent Buddha head imbedded with Swarovski crystals along with beautiful sofas all for under $1,000, as well as charming lamps for $50 and a platform bed that was actually sold for under $70! Grab your designer (or arrange to meet one at the Design Center under their soon-to-be-implemented “designer referral program”) and head down as fast as you can to check it all out for yourself. There are new products arriving daily and admission to this incredible show is free! The affable Jerry Hall is “stage manager” and one of the most informed and helpful people you could ever hope to meet.

And while you’re at Suite Charity you must also treat yourself to another great show (under the auspices of the same production team, Nevada Aids Project), only a few doors down on stage (I mean suite) B-135: Art Space Originals. Open the doors to this showroom and you’ll instantly think you’ve arrived at some very swanky uptown art gallery. Here you’ll find original art of all shapes and sizes selected for presentation by renowned local artist, Steven Spann and featuring the works of Leslie Rowland, Drai, Sharon Gainsburg and Michael Wardel, along with select pieces of contemporary furniture. (Here I was astounded to find a stunning coffee table for under $200!)

Suite Charity’s “box office” is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with continuous showings Monday through Friday. Detailed information about this wonderful new facility for stellar furniture at bargain matinee prices can be found at the Nevada Aids Web site: www.nevadaaidsproject.org and follow the link to Suite Charity. It’s a performance you’ll want to see over and over again. But be sure to bring your designer—Suite Charity is only open to the trade.