by Mark G. Auerbach
Liz Larsen and Terrence Mann in Sweeney Todd. Photo by Gerry Goodstein
Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd, the landmark Sondheim musical now playing at Connecticut Repertory Theatre’s Nutmeg Summer Series in Storrs through July 1. The bloody story of a barber seeking revenge, a cunning baker, two lovers running away to find happiness, and a vindictive judge has been a hit, since it opened on Broadway in 1979. Part grand guignol with its blood and guts, part grand opera with its huge production, soaring and complex music, part English music hall with its cartoon characters, and all musical theatre, Sweeney Todd deserves every one of its accolades from its enthusiastic fan base, who can see it again and again. Count me among them.
Sweeney Todd picked up the major theatre awards, including the Tony for “Best Musical”, “Best Score” and “Best Book of a Musical” when it opened. Hugh Wheeler’s literate adaptation of Christopher Bond’s play, in turn adapted from a Victorian era penny dreadful, is funny, shocking, and poignant. Stephen Sondheim’s music is challenging, stunning, and melodic. Sweeney Todd lends itself to the theatre stage and opera house, as well as small theatres. And, there’s the film adaptation, good on its own terms. A miniature revival of Sweeney Todd is currently running Off-Broadway at the Barrow Theatre, where it has surpassed the run of the original production.
Terrence Mann and Liz Larsen in Sweeney Todd. Photo by Gerry Goodstein
Sweeney Todd is billed at CT Rep as “a musical thriller in concert”, but Peter Flynn has fully staged the musical, albeit with simple, uncomplicated design components, a nice unit set by Tim Brown, effective costuming by Christina Lorraine Bullard, and fine lighting by Alan C. Edwards. Ken Clifton and his onstage orchestra of eleven bring out the best of Sondheim’s rich score, as orchestrated by JonathanTunick. Michael Vincent Skinner’s sound design amplified the dialogue scenes, but some of the lyrics in the musical sequences were lost in the amplification of singers and orchestra.
Terrence Mann in the title role, Liz Larsen as Mrs. Lovett, in the role originated by Angela Lansbury, Ed Dixon as the evil Judge, and Andrea Burns as the beggar woman are all terrific. The quartet of pros are joined by some up-and-coming actors from the national theatre schools, including Hartt at University of Hartford. I was impressed by Kenneth Galm as Tobias, who gets to deliver the musical’s poignant “Not While I’m Around”; Nicholas Gonzalez’ broadly comic Pirelli, and Emilie Kouatchou’s tour de force rendition of “Green Finch and Linnet Bird”…her pairing with .Hugh Entrekin as Anthony bring solid musical moments.
Terrence Mann in Sweeney Todd. Photo by Gerry Goodstein
I must admit that Sweeney Todd is one of my favorite Sondheim musicals, and I’ve seen it multiple times, from the original Broadway production, to New York City Opera and Kennedy Center, to the simplified John Doyle revival. People new to the Sweeney Todd experience will like CT Rep’s rendering. The Sondheim fans will find some engaging performances to savor.
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The Connecticut Repertory Theatre presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by Hugh Wheeler from an adaptation by Christopher Bond. Directed by Peter Flynn. Music direction by Ken Clifton. Scenic design by Tim Brown. Costume design by Christina Lorraine Bullard. Lighting design by Alan C. Edwards. Sound design by Michael Vincent Skinner..Cast: Terrence Mann as Sweeney Todd; Liz Larsen as Mrs. Lovett. Hugh Entrekin as Anthony Hope. Emilie Kouatchou as Johanna. Ed Dixon as Judge Turpin. Andrea Burns as the Beggar Woman. Through July 1.. Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre. University of Connecticut at Storrs, CT. 860-486-2113 or www.crt.uconn.edu
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB Radio.
