For those who enjoy the works of Steven Sondheim, seeing “Sweeney Todd…” at Hartford Stage is a dream come true. In a sense, the word “nightmare,” might be more accurate. For those who aren’t enamored with this renowned playwright, composer, “Sweeney” should still be in the Top 10 List of musicals to see.
“Sweeney” is dark, both literally and figuratively. The program book sums up the plot about “love, murder, and revenge”. Set in mid-19 th century London is the barber Sweeney Todd, his wife, and baby daughter. Crisis befalls the small family. At the musical’s start, Sweeney’s jail sentence of 15 years has ended as he roams the dregs of the city searching for his wife and child, and for his own life that was snatched from him.
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| Photo by: T. Charles Erickson |
Matt Faucher portrays Sweeney as a man consumed equally with retaliation and despair.
Faucher’s acting chops and exquisite baritone voice are impactful. Indeed, he only has one solo as well as an important duet (“My Friends”). Yet, the character of Sweeney Todd seems to be ever-present – either when actually onstage or referred to – through Faucher’s creation of this tortured man.
Jackie Burns oftentimes screams the personification of Mrs. Lovett, the local pie-maker whose shop deserves a zero-star rating. Yes, the actress’ vocals are a bit too loud; although befitting her character’s personality and life. It’s Burns who has a lot of songs in the repertoire. Burns ingratiates Mrs. Lovett with wit, timing, and cunning. Lovett provides humor as a means to keep herself alive.
The other seven actors portray those who are friend or foe to Sweeney, and as an ensemble, the chorus of a Greek tragedy. They begin and end the sad tale. All are pros.
Willem Butler’s role as Anthony, a young sailor/love interest sings and reprises the loveliest and most melodic piece in the musical, “Johanna”. In turn, Lauren Maria Medina as the ingenue Johanna replies in an upper range soprano voice. Of course, it’s love at first sight amid the horror of their lives.
