The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present Stephen Sondheim’s Tony- and Oliver-winning musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street from Feb. 10 – March 11.
Sweeney Todd, an unjustly-exiled barber, returns to 19th century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up… and the carnage has only just begun.
With the book by Hugh Wheeler, the music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim. It is based on the 1973 play of the same name by Christopher Bond.
Director Paul Graffy says, “Long a favorite of the theater-going public, Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece of the Grand Guignol is both an examination of a man’s descent from law-abiding innocence to maniacal depravity, and a thrilling, brilliant and perversely delightful musical of the highest order.”
The cast of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street includes Gabrielle Lansden (Johanna), Dave Rode (Sweeney), Trace Meier (Judge Turpin), Cameron Rogers (Anthony), River Reed (Tobias), and MaryAnne McKerrow (Mrs. Lovett). photo courtesy of Sisk Media
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street features Dave Rode (Sweeney Todd), MaryAnne McKerrow (Mrs. Lovett), Sharon True (Ensemble, doubles as Mrs. Lovett), Lauren Miller (Beggar Woman), Cameron Rogers (Anthony), Gabrielle Lansden (Johanna), Trace Meier (Judge Turpin), Jack Weld (Beadle Bamford), Steven Michael Kennedy (Adolfo Pirelli), River Reed (Tobias), John McKerrow (Jonas Fogg). The ensemble includes Ryland Dingman, Joseph Bostic, Mark King, Brithany Hernandez, Nyx Rasner, Cindy Malley, Angela M. Thomas, Ken Ruisi, Laelon Thomas, Nyx Rasner, and Ariana Milian.
Music direction is by Roz Metcalf, and assistant director is Madelaine Weymouth.
Performance dates are Feb. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 and March 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m.
Matinees will be presented Feb. 12, 19 and 26 and March 5 at 2 p.m. Half-price preview nights are Feb. 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $37 each or $15 for students with valid student IDs. Thursday night special ticket price of $30 each for adults. For tickets, call the box office at 239-218-0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.
Special events requiring an additional advanced ticket:
Bloody Valentine cocktail reception on Feb. 18 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Class in Sweeney props and blood on Feb. 25 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Ghost Hunt at the Theater on March 4 immediately following the performance.
Space for these events is limited and ticketed separately. Tickets are $25 each or two for $40.
Laboratory Theater of Florida is located at 1634 Woodford Ave. in downtown Fort Myers.
