Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
‘SWEENEY TODD:’ The demon barber sets up his spooky shop in Crossville
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” a cutthroat tale of retribution, is set to open at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, Tennessee, on Friday, Sept. 14, continuing through Oct. 26.
“I’m so thrilled that we have the chance to perform this classic musical for our guests,” says director Bryce McDonald.
“It’s the perfect mixture of classic thriller elements to leave you on the edge of your seat, liberally spiced with charismatic wit and complemented by a remarkable score. “Sweeney Todd” may be one of our most deliciously spooky offerings yet.”
Sweeney Todd (played by Jason Ross), was formerly known as barber Benjamin Barker. He was convicted on false charges and exiled to Australia by corrupt Judge Turpin ( Britt Hancock) and his assistant, Beadle Bamford (Brett Mutter).
Fifteen years l ater, after being rescued at sea by young sailor Anthony Hope ( Blake Graham), Todd has returned to London hoping to be reunited with his wife and daughter. But when he arrives at his former home, which is now owned by Mrs. Lovett (Weslie Webster), a widow who runs a failing meat pie shop on the bottom floor, he learns that his wife poisoned herself. His daughter, Johanna ( Harli Cooper), is now the ward of the very judge who sent him away.
L ove t t recognizes Todd and all ows him to reopen his barbershop upstairs. Todd and Lovett soon realize they have mutually profitable needs: his, a compulsion to seek revenge on those who wronged him; hers, a demand for cheap fresh meat.
Complications arise when romance blossoms between Anthony and Todd’s estranged daughter, and the plot thickens even further as Todd faces a blackmail scheme from rival barber Pirelli ( Daniel Black), along with increasing suspicion from Lovett’’ s assistant Tobias (Ross Griffin) and a neighborhood beggar woman ( Lauren Marshall).
Will Todd’s collaboration with Lovett succeed, or will their toothsome plot come at too high a price?
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is a macabre musical masterpiece with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. It is based on the 1973 play by Christopher Bond.
The Tony Award-winning score is peppered with dark themes, like the chilling “No Place Like London,” as well as wickedly funny tunes, “The Worst Pies in London” and “A Little Priest.” The show’’s music director is Ron Murphy. Choreographer is Ashley Gentry.
The musical is rated PG- 13. Tickets may be reserved by calling 931484-5000 or visiting www. ccplayhouse.com.