In the classic Steven Sondheim musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” evil Judge Turpin lusts for the beautiful wife of a London barber and transports him to Australia for a crime he did not commit. Returning after fifteen years and calling himself Sweeney Todd, the now-madman vows revenge, applying his razor to unlucky customers and shuttling the bodies down to Mrs. Lovett, who uses them in her meat-pie shop. Though many fall to his blade, he will not be satisfied until he slits Turpin’s throat.
The gory story enters the Donna Hubbard Auditorium on March 14, 2024 and will be running until March 17, 2024. After casting before winter break, the cast and crew finally came together this week for the first few rehearsals.
Featuring a classic read through of the show and learning the music and harmonies to the opening number, the cast was nowhere short of hard at work.
Theater teacher and production director Justin Baldridge worked tirelessly over the break to come up with a concept to bring the age-old show to life for a younger audience.
“After our first read through and first rehearsal I’ve become really excited with the group of people we’ve put together to put on this production,” he said. “The excitement from every individual is hopefully going to permeate to the rest of the campus.”
Although rehearsals have already begun, the theater company is still searching for students to join the crew. Spots for costumes, hair, makeup and house crew are still open. For interested students, speak to Mr. Baldridge in room 303.
Head of costumes junior Sophie Gomez has done several shows in her time at the school, and highly encourages students to sign up.
“The musical is set in the late 1800s, meaning the costumes are going to be set in the time period,” she says. “This style isn’t something I do often, so I’m excited to see how the costumes come together.”
