The story of Sweeney Todd, Stephen Sondheim’s musical about the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, originated in a series of “penny dreadful” serial melodrama stories in the 1800’s. Sweeney, a barber with a definite anti-social streak, kills his victims in his barber chair, and then dumps them into his basement. There, they are collected and turned into a budget-conscious set of meat pies for his neighbor, Mrs. Lovett to sell in her pie shop.
Geauga Lyric Theater decided that this edgy show with a beautiful music score would be the perfect show for the fall holiday time. Sweeney Todd will run Fridays through Sundays from October 21st to November 6th, at the historic theater at 101 Water St. in Chardon. The strong cast ensures that Sondheim’s challenging music will be well treated. Director Art Suskin says that this iconic show has been on his bucket list for his fifty years in theater. “The music is wonderful, and the storytelling complex.”
The age of the cast ranges from Sweeney (Don Bernardo), who has been involved in more than one hundred community theater productions, to Johanna, the young love interest, played by Hannah Kulawiak, who is a high school sophomore. Bernardo also lists this role as a “bucket list” part, and says “It is easily the hardest role I have ever performed; challenging and extremely demanding music.” Hannah Kulawiak, last seen on our stage as Wednesday in The Addams Family, says she has been coveting the part of Johanna since she was in the ensemble at Hathaway Brown three years ago, when she played the role of the oven.
Sneak peeks at rehearsals have gathered rave reviews of the singing talent in this show. From gritty and comical songs from Bernardo (Sweeney) and Rocky Encalada (Mrs. Lovett) to sweet ballads between Kulawiak (Johanna) and her would-be lover Connor Brennan (Anthony), excitement for opening night is building at GLTG.
Tickets for Sweeney Todd can be purchased online at www.geaugatheater.org, or by calling the box office at 440-286- 2255. Prices are $18.00 for adults, $15.00 for students and seniors, $10.00 for children. Geauga Lyric Theater is located on the beautiful Chardon Square.
Pictured In Top Left Photo: Hannah Kulawiak (Johanna) and Connor Brennan (Anthony) In Sweeney Todd at Geauga Lyric Theater. (Photo Credit Sarah French)
Pictured In Bottom Left Photo: Don Bernardo (Sweeney Todd) and Ryan Davis (Judge Turpin) share a close shave in Sweeney Todd at Geauga Lyric Theater (Photo Credit Sarah French)
