Oct. 1, 2024
Contact Brittany Bara at 608-796-3792 or bmbara@viterbo.edu
VITERBO UNIVERSITY CONSERVATORY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS TO PRESENT THE TONY AWARD WINNING MUSICAL SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET OCT. 10–13
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Enjoy a thrilling musical theatre experience as revenge and razor-sharp wit meet in the Viterbo University Conservatory for the Performing Arts production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Thursday, Oct. 10–Sunday, Oct. 13 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.
Winner of the 1979 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is Stephen Sondheim’s epic masterpiece. In 19th Century London, Sweeney Todd returns from the dead seeking vengeance and with a knack for supplying fresh ingredients for Mrs. Lovett’s infamous meat pies.
“It’s an ambitious, epic story that is thoroughly entertaining,” said Brittany Bara, the Viterbo faculty member who is directing the production. “Some say it’s one of the best written musicals of all time. It’s haunting, but also has wonderfully funny moments. And be ready for a little blood and gore as we’re getting close to Halloween. It’s a really enjoyable show to watch, and I think audiences will get a lot out of it.”
Bara is joined by music director Janette Hanson and choreographer Joie Steele. This production stars Viterbo students Zach Sullivan as Sweeney Todd, Shea Grande as Mrs. Lovett, Beth Anderson as Johanna, and Spencer Curtis as Anthony.
“Well-seasoned professionals sometimes struggle with the music of Sweeney Todd, but our students are making it look easy,” Bara said.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is rated R for mature themes, strong language, violence, and elements of gore.
“As someone who strives to approach people and situations with kindness first, it tickles me how much fun I’ve had working on such a seemingly dark piece for the last several months,” Bara said. “It has been an absolute joy discovering our version of Sweeney Todd with this group of artists. For those familiar with the show, there are some moments you’ll recognize. There are also moments where the storytelling might feel new and exciting, and I hope you are as delighted to witness this production as I have been working on it.”
Music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim. Book by Hugh Wheeler. The musical was adapted from a play by Christopher Bond. It was originally directed on Broadway by Harold Prince. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.
This production is sponsored by FOX 25/48 and Life Time Financial Services.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10–12 and 2 p.m. Oct. 13. Tickets are $28 for main floor and lower balcony and $22 for upper balcony seating, plus taxes and fees. For more information or to order tickets, contact the Viterbo box office at 608-796-3100 or visit www.viterbo.edu/tickets.
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