Sweeney Todd

sweeneytodd

Sweeney Todd Is a Tasty Treat
Production of Dark Musical Triumphs
Mary Damiano, The Express

Rape, murder, madness, self-flagellation, cannibalism—not your typical fodder for a musical—but that’s Stephen Sondheim for you. The complex composer’s master work, Sweeney Todd, is now being given terrific treatment by the Pembroke Pines Theatre of the Performing Arts in a production that runs through Sept. 28 at the River of Grass Arts Park in Pembroke Pines.  The musical, which takes place in 1890s London and tells the tale of Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street, is not an easy piece to do. It features Sondheim’s trademark music and lyrics, which are both operatic and full of rolling rhythms. The songs require substantial vocal dexterity, and the fine cast of this production is up to the challenge.  Sweeney Todd opens as the title character, newly escaped from prison and using an assumed name, lands in London determined to take revenge on the sicko judge who destroyed his family and ruined his life. He sets up a barber shop above the sweet shop of Mrs. Lovett, who recognizes him from the old days. Smitten with the crazed barber, she assists in his plans for revenge. When an old colleague recognizes Sweeney and threatens to expose him as the convict, Sweeney kills the man.

But how will he dispose of the body? Let’s just say that Mrs. Lovett’s meat pies begin featuring a brand new, unusual flavor that becomes all the rage in London.  Sweeney Todd is a deliciously wicked musical, and this production is engrossing and entertaining. James Cichiewicz is fun and creepy as the murderer hell-bent on revenge. Cindy Pearce is an absolute delight as Mrs. Lovett, and provides a perfect comic balance to Cichiewicz’s desperate, single-minded character. Michael Torok and Bianca Raborg are perfect as the young lovers of the piece. Young Gary Entin does a nice turn as a young man who stumbles upon too much of the truth. And Marc Lewis gives a new dimension to what could have been a one-note villain.  Director Alvin Entin keeps things moving and creates a haunting atmosphere with his sullen-faced chorus and simple staging. This is a fine production of a modern classic, and should not be missed.

The rare instance of a musical thriller, Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous barber-ism and culinary crime tells the infamous tale of the unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. His thirst for blood soon expands to include his unfortunate customers, and the resourceful proprietress of the pie shop downstairs soon has the people of London lining up in droves with her mysterious new meat pie recipe!

Sophisticated, macabre, visceral and uncompromising, “Sweeney Todd” nevertheless has a great sense of fun, mixing intense drama with howlingly funny moments of dark humor: audiences find themselves laughing hysterically one moment and gasping in surprise the next.  {VIEW GALLERY}

A staggering theater spectacle and more fun than a graveyard on the night of the annual skeleton's ball... So joy to the world, dear children! Sweeney Todd is here to enrich your nightmares." - Daily News

"Must be seen by anyone who cares about the gifts and risks of Broadway at its best." - Newsweek

"There is more of artistic energy, creative personality and plain excitement than in a dozen average musicals." - New York Times"

Shotimes & Dates: 

September 5,6,12,13,19,20,26 & 27th at 8:00 PM Evening Performance
September 6,7,13,14,20,21,27 & 28th at 2:00 PM Matinee Performance

Cast:

Anthony Hope: MICHAEL TOROK
Sweeney Todd: JAMES CICHIEWIZ
Beggar Woman: MICHELE PERKINS
Mrs. Lovett: CINDY PIERCE
Judge Taurpin: MARC LEWIS & JERRY WEINBERG
The Beadle: JOSH HYATT
Joanna: BIANCA RABORG
Tobias Ragg: GARY ANTIN & MARK SHESKIN
Pirelli: SHANNON MICHAEL PIERCE
Bird Seller: JOE FERREL
The Passerby: HAROL REISER
Jonas Ragg: BOB MANZA
The Company: RUSTY ALLISON, JOHN PERKINS, CHRISTINA IZQUIERDO, LINDA ROBERTS, BRYAN MARTINEZ, SARAH WASSERMAN, ELIZABETH ANN GARRARD, TONY PAIGO, JAY MAXWELL, GORDON LEVINE, APRIL ROSE, MANZA, CARLA MARTINEZ, ROBIN BARSON, SAMANTHA WALSH, CHICK CICIO DANA FREDEBAUGH, CHRIS SERPA, RICK JONES, KRISTINA VOGTHER, DOUG HUMBERT, CHRISTINE KAVALAUSKAS, KRIS FINNEGAN BEN TOROK

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