Whanganui Midweek

Sweeny Todd first show for the year

Musical to start Amdram Theatre’s 150th year

- Graham Dack

Amdram Theatre is proud to present its first show for its 150th anniversar­y year, Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s ground-breaking musical masterpiec­e Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

With its razor-sharp writing and spine-tingling score, Sweeney Todd takes audiences on a heartpalpi­tating ride through the twisted and darkly comic minds of its infamous characters and unforgetta­ble music.

Sweeney Todd is a dark masterpiec­e but what is it really about?

Down at the heart of the story is revenge, a dish best served cold, apparently, or in this case “hot” in the form of Mrs Lovett’s pies. Born out of the ashes of tragedy, Todd returns to London in search of his wife, daughter and revenge. With the assistance of the beguiling and eminently practical pie shop owner Mrs Lovett, a delectable opportunit­y arises — genius and ghoulish in equal measure. Their pastries go down a treat, but Sweeney’s insatiable hunger for vengeance leads them perilously close to the razor’s edge.

Considered to be one of the most dramatic, powerful and theatrical stories ever orchestrat­ed, Sweeney Todd is devilishly clever and deliciousl­y funny. Sweeney Todd was Stephen Sondheim’s 10th Broadway production and is generally considered his masterpiec­e. A melodic and theatrical­ly bold work that’s been produced in theatres large and small and numerous opera houses. The original 1979 Broadway production won eight Tony Awards, including recognitio­n as the season’s best musical.

Playing at the Royal Whanganui Opera House (RWOH) from March 15-23, tickets are available from the RWOH Box Office or online.

Towards the end of the year, we are pleased to announce our second of two shows at the Opera House — Oliver. This award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel springs to life with some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to grace the stage and will be performed in October.

Want to find out more? Then come to our informatio­n evening on Tuesday, March 26 at Amdram Theatre starting at 7pm. Auditions are set down for the weekend of April 6-7, hope to see you there.

 ?? ?? Some of the Sweeney Todd cast getting ready for rehearsals.
Some of the Sweeney Todd cast getting ready for rehearsals.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from New Zealand