Demon from Fleet Street haunts local arts stage
Anna Nguyen
Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: Lifestyles
Stage productions of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" are known for their epic grandeur. Lavish period costumes, elaborate stage settings and a grand orchestra ensemble are some of the aspects associated with the production when it first premiered on Broadway in 1979. Local residents will have the opportunity to see the production when it premieres Monday, Nov. 17, at the Walton Arts Center.
"'Sweeney Todd' is an award-winning musical filled with dark comedy and talented actors," said Jolana Aibangbee, the publicity and promotions coordinator at the Walton Arts Center. "Audiences will enjoy this portrayal of John Doyle's Broadway rendition with the music of Stephen Sondheim. To have the tour visit Northwest Arkansas offers the opportunity to experience this musical live."
The tale of "Sweeney Todd" is based on the 19th century legend of a London barber who becomes vengeful after a malevolent judge takes his wife and child from him. His plan for retribution involves a partnership with businesswoman Mrs. Lovett, who begins to make the tastiest meat pies in London. Although the story line will remain crucial to the production performing at the Walton Arts Center, director Doyle provides a twist to the popular tale.
Doyle's original idea began in a small London show. He did not have the finances to make it a big production, and he used what was available in a simple fashion - the music and actors. The production premiered at London's West End in 2005 and received universal acclaim, said Ruthie Ann Miles, who plays the role of Pirelli.
The recent version is immensely different from the original production because the actors and musicians in his adaptation are the same people. Instead of employing a 30-member cast and a 27-piece symphonic orchestra, Doyle's production will feature 10 people on stage who are not only acting, but will also sing and play multiple instruments, Miles said.
"All of the music from the original score is in [this production]," she said.
"'Sweeney Todd' is an award-winning musical filled with dark comedy and talented actors," said Jolana Aibangbee, the publicity and promotions coordinator at the Walton Arts Center. "Audiences will enjoy this portrayal of John Doyle's Broadway rendition with the music of Stephen Sondheim. To have the tour visit Northwest Arkansas offers the opportunity to experience this musical live."
The tale of "Sweeney Todd" is based on the 19th century legend of a London barber who becomes vengeful after a malevolent judge takes his wife and child from him. His plan for retribution involves a partnership with businesswoman Mrs. Lovett, who begins to make the tastiest meat pies in London. Although the story line will remain crucial to the production performing at the Walton Arts Center, director Doyle provides a twist to the popular tale.
Doyle's original idea began in a small London show. He did not have the finances to make it a big production, and he used what was available in a simple fashion - the music and actors. The production premiered at London's West End in 2005 and received universal acclaim, said Ruthie Ann Miles, who plays the role of Pirelli.
The recent version is immensely different from the original production because the actors and musicians in his adaptation are the same people. Instead of employing a 30-member cast and a 27-piece symphonic orchestra, Doyle's production will feature 10 people on stage who are not only acting, but will also sing and play multiple instruments, Miles said.
"All of the music from the original score is in [this production]," she said.
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