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| Noel Anthony as Sweeney Todd and Allison F. Rich as Mrs. Lovett (Photo by Dave Lepori) |
Proof that
Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is the work
of a genius lies with San Jose Stage Company’s production.
Winner of
eight Tony Awards, this 1979 tale of a wronged barber’s revenge has seen on
stages from Broadway to community theaters. Both the San Francisco Opera and
San Francisco Symphony have presented it.
Although the
show is traditionally set in Victorian London, this production appears to be in
the late ‘20s or early ‘30s, judging by Abra Berman’s costumes. Director Kenneth
Kelleher uses only 10 actors.
Although
many productions have used a more expansive, two-level stage, scenic and
lighting designer Michael Palumbo (sound by Steve Schoenbeck) compresses the
action into the venue’s small, one-level space. It works because of his design
and Kelleher’s ingenious staging.
While the
book by Hugh Wheeler has intrinsic interest, Sondheim’s music and clever lyrics
carry the show – provided they have actors who can handle them.
This
production has them, starting with Noel Anthony as the haunted Sweeney Todd,
who returns to London after being sent to an Australian prison by a crooked
judge with designs on Sweeney’s wife.
He’s
balanced by Allison F. Rich as Mrs. Lovett, who runs a shop making “The Worst
Pies in London.” She becomes Sweeney’s accomplice and would-be sweetheart. It’s
a mainly comical role illustrated in songs like “By the Sea.”
Sam Faustine
takes on the vocally challenging role of Anthony Hope, the sailor who has
befriended Sweeney. By coincidence, he sees Sweeney’s daughter, immediately
falls in love with her and sings the show’s most beautiful song, “Johanna,” in
a sweet, light tenor.
Johanna, the
object of his affection, is played by Monique Hafen. Her voice becomes too
shrill in her coloratura “Green Finch and Linnet Bird.”
Supporting
roles are all excellent, starting with Keith Pinto as Tobias Ragg, the disabled
boy who becomes Mrs. Lovett’s assistant when her pie shop starts to thrive,
thanks to grisly contributions by Sweeney.
Christopher
Vettel plays Judge Turpin, who has adopted Johanna. He’s impressive in the
often omitted “Mea Culpa,” in which he flagellates himself over his lust for
her.
His smarmy
henchman, The Beadle, is played by Branden Noel Thomas, while the Beggar Woman
is played by Jill Miller. Both do well.
Seated on
the side are four musicians, including musical director Katie Coleman on
keyboard.
Kelleher has
made a few minor omissions, but none subtract from the power of this show.
Running
about two and a half hours with one intermission, “Sweeney Todd” will continue
through March 18 at San Jose Stage Company, 490 S. First St., San Jose. For
tickets and information, call (408) 283-7142 or visit www.thestage.org.
