Director Christy Russell, Music Director Ashley Underwood, and their superb cast are preparing for the very challenging production of Sweeney Todd. As a director, Russell is not afraid to push the envelope, and this is the perfect show to do just that.
Sweeney Todd tells the story of Benjamin Barker, a man who has spent 15 years in prison on a "trumped-up" charge. He comes back to London, hoping to find his wife and daughter and pick up the pieces of his life. He spirals into madness when he finds out that his wife has poisoned herself and that his daughter is the ward of the man who sent him to prison. Barker, who now wishes to be called Sweeney Todd, becomes obsessed with revenge and his desire to kill the man who wronged him. Sweeney works with his neighbor, Mrs. Lovett, to commit and cover up murderous acts all in the name of vengeance.
The title role is played by Josh McSpadden, while Mrs. Lovett is played by Melissa McSpadden. The McSpadden family rounds out with Dean McSpadden playing the villainous Judge Turpin. The remainder of the cast is as follows:
Anthony Hope – Wesley Javorsky
Johanna – Lily Dowdy
Tobias Ragg – Maggie Green
Beadle Bamford – Zach Perry
Adolfo Pirelli – Connor Simmons
Beggar Woman – Blair Barnett
Jonas Fogg – Joseph Suderman
Birdseller – Ty Taylor
CHORUS: Julie Barnett, Laramie Wright, Ashley Underwood, DiAnn McDown, Jayce Green, Matthew Blakeburn, Joel McCoy, and Robert McDown
The show opens on September 16 and runs the 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25. The Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30PM and the Sunday matinees begin at 2:00PM. Season ticket holders may purchase their tickets on Monday, September 12, and the general public may reserve their ticket on Tuesday, September 13. This show has a rating of PG-13 due to language and content, but do not expect this production to mirror the Hollywood interpretation starring Johnny Depp. Sweeney Todd for the stage is a dark comedic thriller, and we hope you come prepared to laugh as well as be on the edge of your seat.
Sweeney Todd is an ambitious task for any community theatre to tackle, and we hope you choose to "Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd."
