Oklahoma City University’s Wanda Bass School of Music invited students to “attend the tale of Sweeney Todd”, for this year’s first main stage musical production. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber on Fleet Street is a dark and thrilling musical that successfully transported its viewers into the macabre world of 19th-century London. Auditions for this production were held in late August and the cast was announced not long after.
The cast was led by Evan Moore/Jackson Barnes as Sweeney Todd and Mae Rodgers/Gabrielle Gore as Mrs. Lovett. They were joined by Christian Atherton/Noah Youmans as Anthony, Holly Parker/Margaret Heiskell as Johanna, Scott Bratton as Judge Turpin, Adam Morrison/Zac Decker as Tobias, Michael Rick as Beadle Bamford, Sophia Rodrigues Patterson/Ella Benward as Beggar Woman and Karol Cooley as Pirelli. These stars were further supported by a seventeen-person ensemble and twenty-six-member pit orchestra.
Sweeney Todd is a story of revenge and redemption, delivered brilliantly through the intertwining elements of horror, drama, and dark humor. The story follows a vengeful barber, Sweeney Todd, who has returned to London after 15 years of wrongful imprisonment. With the help of Mrs. Lovett, his partner in crime, who runs a meat pie shop just below his barber shop, the two hatch a gruesome scheme that is sure to shake the streets of London.
This demented world was brought to life by design and production faculty and students. Lighting design was by Preston Hunt, costume design by Allison Winsby, props design by Tess Rosen, sound design by Jacob Henry, and scenic design by Jason Foreman. The stage management team was led by Grace Neal, supported by Paige Miller and Sydney Stephenson as assistant stage managers. The show includes several unique technical aspects including a barber’s chair with a trap door and blood effects.
Performances ran from September 29th through October 1st under the direction of David Herendeen, music direction of Matthew Mailman and choreography by Mary Ann Mayer. Their artistry and dedication matched with that of our peers as they worked tirelessly to bring this classic tale to life in stunning fashion.
To view photos from the performance, please visit performingartsphotos.com. Additional behind-the-scenes footage can be found on Instagram at @ocu_designproduction and @ocumusictheatre.
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