Johnny Depp and Tim Burton brought the story of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street to the big screen in 2007, and now a team of local thespians will present the story of “Sweeney Todd” at the Mansfield Playhouse beginning on Friday.
For those who haven’t seen the Depp movie or a version of the musical, Director Doug Wertz described “Sweeney Todd” as a dark musical thriller. “It’s about lust, love and vengeance,” Wertz said.
Set in 19th century England, “Sweeney Todd” tells the story of Benjamin Barker who returns to London after 15 years in a penal colony on trumped-up charges. Barker, now going by the name of Sweeney Todd, is looking for revenge on the judge who banished him so that the judge could pursue his wife.
Upon his return to London, Sweeney Todd, played by David Hammond, is recognized as Benjamin Barker by pie shop owner Mrs. Nellie Lovett. Mrs. Lovett, played by Sue Amstutz, reveals to Sweeney Todd that while he was away his wife poisoned herself and their daughter, Johanna, played by Brittany Schock, became a ward of the judge.
Mrs. Lovett offers to let Sweeney Todd resume his former barber office above her pie shop and he accepts. Together, Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd begin to add a unique ingredient to her pies, and business begins to boom.
“There are some very comical moments in there,” Wertz said.
As Sweeney Todd discovers that his daughter is still alive, he begins to enact his vengeance on those who wronged him, but like any good thriller, Wertz said, there are some twists and turns along the way.
Although Wertz has directed many performances in the past, this is the first musical Wertz has overseen since taking over as Resident Artistic Director for the Mansfield Playhouse in July.
The cast of 20 started dress rehearsals this week and Wertz said rehearsals are going great. “We’ve got an amazing cast and things are really coming together,” Wertz said.
The director said the design of the set is an adaptation of the 1982 Broadway version of the show. “But we had to make things a lot less elaborate and more convertible,” Wertz said.
With the help of Jody Hastings, Wertz created all the set pieces, some of which were very technically challenging.
“I think the audience will enjoy some of the set changes,” Wertz said. “It’s a like a show within a show.”
Wertz said the music, written by Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim, is very difficult, but credited Musical Director Kim Wolbert of Ashland with bringing a creative energy to the show and making sure the cast was prepared.
Wertz said he has been involved in theatre most of his life and his love has carried over to the rest of his family. His wife Tammy painted the sets for “Sweeney Todd” and three of his children are involved in the production as well. His son Cameron plays Tobias, his daughter Kayla is part of the ensemble and his son Evan is working with the technical crew.
“Sweeney Todd” will be presented this weekend Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. and then next weekend, Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. Visit the playhouse’s website to purchase tickets for the musical.
