The award-winning musical thriller, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” opens July 11 in Wimberley.
The Stephen Sondheim musical follows the tale of an unjustly exiled barber who, upon return to London, discovers that a lustful local judge has framed him and abused his young wife. On a quest for revenge, Sweeney crosses paths with a certain Mrs. Lovett, the owner of a lackluster meat shop, who encourages him to open a barber shop where she is inspired to make pies — with one mysterious and troubling new ingredient.
The Wimberley Players take on this Tony Award- and Olivier Award-winning musical with music and lyrics by Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, which has captured audiences since its 1979 Broadway debut.
The cast stars Connor Clarke as Sweeney Todd and Charlize Cosmas as Mrs. Lovett, Creighton Moench as Anthony Hope, Natalie Baker as Johanna, Ian Harrison as Tobias Ragg, and Rebecca Woods as Beggar Woman, among many others in the talented cast.
The production is directed by Todd Allen Martin with musical direction by Carole Hofstad, costume design by former Wimberley Players executive artistic director Trish Rigdon and sound design by BroadwayWorld Austin-award winning sound designer Dylan Barnes.
Lighting and scenic designer Kevin Rigdon, who has designed more than 500 productions including Broadway, off-Broadway, the West End and various other regional productions – and has been honored with two Tony Award nominations – has been instrumental in creating this rich onstage world.
Directing Sweeney Todd has been a dream project for director Todd Martin. “Sweeney is one of the most deeply loved musicals of all time and has been given at least six revivals on Broadway and the West End for its staying power,” he said. “Its sweeping score, complex and thought-provoking themes and memorable characters have given it an enduring legacy.”
Wimberley Players Board President Elaine Cardenas noted, “It is such an honor to be able to bring such a beloved story to life on the Wimberley stage with such a talented cast and crew.”
The show is poised to open July 11 and run until Aug. 3, with Friday and Saturday night curtains at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $40, with student tickets available with ID for $22. Groups of eight or more receive a $2 discount per ticket. Tickets may be purchased in advance online for all “Sweeney Todd” performances at wimberleyplayers.org.
“Sweeney Todd” is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (www.mtishows. com).
