Summer Lyric Theatre stages an enjoyably gruesome ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber’ at Tulane

Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane University has given viewers a taste of the dark side of old London. Hold tight to your seat for this bloody production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

The sinister story opens a world of heartbreak and backstabbing featuring Sweeney Todd, a fictional character who first appeared in the penny dreadful series “The String of Pearls” around 1846. The musical is based on the 1970 play by Christopher Bond.

Sweeney Todd (Austin Adomitis) is a barber in 19th-century London who goes on a killing spree after being released from prison. Sweeney, previously Benjamin Barker, was incarcerated for 15 years after being falsely accused. The evil Judge Turpin, played by Brian Sanford, framed Sweeny and assaulted his wife. After being released, Sweeney comes back to London to get revenge. However, his quest for vengeance turns bloody as he begins to murder the customers.

Sweeney’s landlady Mrs. Lovett (Elizabeth Argus) owns a bakery in the same building as his barber shop, while he rents a room above the bakery. Things heat up as Mrs. Lovett begins to hide the bodies of Sweeney’s victims by baking them into the meat pies she sells.

Vengeance and deceit

Directed by John “Ray” Proctor, this production of “Sweeney Todd” is a gripping story of vengeance and deceit. The dynamic cast and crew put on the show in the Dixon Concert Hall on Tulane’s campus.

The musical numbers carry the show from scene to scene with flawless transitions. The orchestra complements the stage with intense music that sets the mood for each scene.

The show was not just on stage, but throughout the aisles as well — a focus on space and movement that makes viewers feel like part of the gruesome action.

Glenn Avery Breed, costume designer, put together a stunning ensemble of 19th-century fashion. It paired well with the elaborate set by Destany Gorham, scenic coordinator. Wigs and Makeup were handled by Alex Beeler, Samantha Croon and Sophie Mitchell. The show was also supported by a talented cast including Luke Boucvalt, Austin Anderson, Charles Mukaida, Alix Paige, Andy Zapata and Matthew Welch.

Cat and mouse game

The story leaves the audience on the edge of its seats as Sweeney Todd tries to navigate the town without being recognized. Judge Turpin had taken Johanna, Sweeney’s daughter played by Ahribelle, when he sent him to prison. Now incognito, Sweeney finally seeks his revenge.

The barber and the judge play an intense game of cat and mouse, but the more enraged Sweeney becomes, the more he is blinded by his hunger for blood.

By the end of the play, Sweeney Todd has collected a pile of dead bodies. However, he doesn’t get closer to healing from the loss of his family. Sometimes as humans, we are so busy trying to avenge ourselves that we miss the keys to true peace. Sweeney’s reign of terror was a reaction to the wrong Judge Turpin did. However, it only caused more people to suffer.

In a society full of fighting and negativity, “Sweeney Todd” offers a warning to the modern world. It pulls back the layers of how people grieve and then asks why. And it shows that trauma and violence can sometimes leave us going in circles to repeat the same pattern.

“Sweeney Todd” continues from June 20-23 at Tulane’s Dixon Hall. Visit the Summer Lyric Theatre website for tickets and more information.