through November 23, 2013
by K.J. Rogowski
Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street, along with
his culinary criminal companion, Mrs. Lovett, take to the stage once again in
Greene Room Productions’ rousing presentation of Stephen Sondheim’s murderous
musical.
The expansive stage at the Stafford Palace Theater allows
for director Erin Greene’s set to have multiple stairways leading to numerous
levels, and lots of scary places for the denizens of Fleet Street to climb on,
around, and under as they recount the tale of Sweeney Todd. David Wallace and
Rose Keating, as Sweeney and Lovett, make a nicely matched pair of homicidal
maniacs -- singing, slashing, and baking their way to riches and revenge, as
their unsuspecting customers gorge themselves on Lovett’s insanely tasty
treats. Austin Welker and Mallory Wray, as Anthony and Johanna, the young
star-crossed lovers, struggle, and plot their escape from the maniacal Judge
Turpin, played by Josh Farber, and his smarmy sidekick, The Beadle, played by
Martin Levson. Welker and Wray are well cast, with good voices, but occasional
issues with their wireless microphones leaves the audience wanting to hear more
of their now famous duets. Also of note are Nicole Ouimet, as the tawdry Beggar
Woman who haunts Sweeney, and Josiah Durham, who delivers a particularly
enjoyable portrayal of the simple and loyal Tobias Ragg.
Backing up this group of desperate and unsavory characters
is an energetic ensemble cast, who help bring the company numbers to life, and
the action moving. For those who like Sondheim, a clean shave, lots of great
music, and more than a little mayhem, they all await, if future audience
members dare to take a stroll down the dark twists and turns of Fleet Street.
