By Charlene Baldridge
SDUN Theatre Critic
A celebrated icon of American musical theater, Stephen Sondheim turned 80 in March. Among many others, Sondheim wrote “Sweeney Todd,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Into the Woods,” “Follies” and “Company,” setting tradition on its ear with his through-composed works; his wry, rapid-fire lyrics and his spiky melodies.
Sondheim’s 1979 multiple Tony Award-winning musical, “Sweeney Todd,” has a bleak sensibility and devilishly difficult score. Impeccably done by Cygnet Theatre, aficionados and novices alike may catch the Grand Guignol tragedy at the Old Town Theatre through April 25.
The subtitle of the work is “The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” Hugh Wheeler’s book is based on a 1973 play by Christopher Bond that was in turn based on a popular penny dreadful tale. Simultaneously macabre and delightful, the musical was originally staged for Broadway by Hal Prince.
A barber by trade, the title character (Sean Murray), returns to London after fifteen years of imprisonment, unjustly imposed because Judge Turpin (Steve Gunderson) fancied Todd’s young wife. Todd has been saved from drowning by a young sailor named Anthony Hope (Jacob Caltrider), who promptly meets and falls in love with Todd’s daughter, Johanna (Ashley Fox Linton), now the Judge’s closely guarded ward. Meanwhile, Todd rents his former apartment above Mrs. Lovett’s (Deborah Gilmour Smyth) pie shop. She recognizes Todd, tells him his wife is dead, and restores his blades to him. He vows to take revenge on those who wronged him. As the bodies mount, the resourceful Lovett uses the meat to make pies, formerly known as the “worst pies in London.”
Long known for his musical prowess as director and performer – most recently Cygnet’s award-winning 2008 production of Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” – Artistic Director Murray stars in and directs “Sweeney.” His co-director is James Vasquez. Their distinctive and exciting production is not to be missed.
The casting is inspired. Known actors exceed all expectations vocally and dramatically, starting with Murray, whose baritone is in top shape. His Todd is visceral and sympathetic, a troubled, wronged man pushed beyond endurance. Smyth is a hoot as Lovett, who loves Todd. Her glee over the carnage is as self-serving as her love. Smyth shines in the moment when she realizes that in order to preserve the status quo, her simple-minded servant, Tobias (Tom Zohar), must be dispatched.
An excellent actor, Zohar breaks new ground with his pure vocalizing of Tobias’ “Not While I’m Around.” Instead of taking the stratospheric notes falsetto, he sings them straight up in full voice with a blooming and melting vibrato.
Geno Carr is marvelous as The Beadle, Judge Turpin’s oily accomplice. Gunderson is amazing as Turpin. Exemplary contributions are also made by Caltrider, Linton and Kürt Norby, extraordinary as Pirelli. Others in the company are Sarah Michelle Cuc as the Birdseller, Trevor Hollingsworth as Jonas Fogg, and Cynthia Marty as the Beggar Woman. The women nail Sondheim’s impossible tessitura in the ensembles, making for spine-tingling thrills.
Fine support is provided by music director Charlie Reuter and four additional musicians. Sean Fanning’s set design, informed by the industrial revolution, is immense and beautiful. Designers Eric Lotze, Shirley Pierson, Matt Lescault-Wood, Peter Herman and George Ye also support the production beautifully.
“Sweeney Todd,” through April 25
7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
7 p.m. Sundays
Cygnet’s Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town
Tickets, $27-$46
cygnettheatre.com or 337-1525
