SU Presents Soundheim Musical Sweeney Todd in March

SALISBURY, MD---Going to the barber was never this scary. Of course, most barbers aren’t like Sweeney Todd, the title character in Salisbury University Theatre’s next production, opening Friday, March 5. The Broadway musical continues Saturday-Sunday, March 6-7, and Thursday-Sunday, March 11-14, in Holloway Hall Auditorium. Curtain is 8 p.m. for weeknight and Saturday performances, 2 p.m. for Sunday matinees. The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra backs the Tony award-winning thriller. Written by famed Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim and set in Victorian England, Sweeney Todd follows the life of its title character after his escape from prison. When he learns his wife is dead and his daughter is being held prisoner by a corrupt judge, Todd plots revenge. He conspires with local merchant Nellie Lovett to open a barbershop over her meat pie shop and invites the judge up for a “close shave.” This lust for revenge sends Todd on a murderous rampage, giving Lovett plenty of filling for her pies…. Based on the legend of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd offers a look at actual events that took place over 10 years in London. Newsweek declares the musical "Must be seen by anyone who cares about the gifts and risks of Broadway at its best." The New York Times says the play offers “more of artistic energy, creative personality and plain excitement than in a dozen average musicals." Directed by Dr. T. Paul Pfeiffer, director of theatre, SU’s production features Christopher Wallace as Sweeney Todd, Jocelyn Anderson as Nellie Lovett, Abi Truet as Johanna, Steve Dapalski as Anthony, Matt Ripa as Beadle Bamford, Eric Gemmer as Judge Turpin, Christopher Bramer as Pirelli, Anne Crossman as the Beggar Woman and John David Maybury as Tobias. The cast also includes Melanie Lee, Lindsey Porter, Priscilla Magalee, Nancy Mace, Brian Kuhn, Adam Adkins, Brittany Spicer, Brett Harwood, Katie Keddell, Chip Willett, Melissa Laur, Erika Hajientoni, Megan Centineo, Christina Williams, Jodie Fahey, Eve Cook, Chris Bosies, Victoria Moore, Dan Zimmer, Siobhan O’Loughlin, Kelly Reiter and Nick Kolesar. Set design is by Gerald Patt Jr. Costume design is by Lisa Lantz. David Shuhy is lighting and technical director. Jessica Fritz stage manages. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors. SU ID holders are admitted free. Sponsored by the Bobbi Biron Theatre Program, Sweeney Todd is recommended for mature audiences. For reservations and information call 410-543-6228.