Grace Cavanaugh, Staff Writer~
The weekend of September 20-23 marked the opening weekend of Wolfbane Productions’ Sweeney Todd. The musical, about a murderous barber out to avenge his family set in 19th Century London, England, was written in 1979 by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler and as of 2007 has a movie starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.
According to Colin Coviello, who plays violin for the production, “Rehearsals have been going for about two weeks with just the cast and one week with the full pit [musicians]. Rehearsals have been great. The cast is Broadway level, and the set is amazing!”
This set includes audience interaction, especially if one chooses to purchase a more expensive premium seat or gets to a show early enough for a front-row seat.
The cast and crew are excited to bring the production to fruition. Coviello said, “I’m very excited. Sweeney Todd is one of my favorites. It’s a clever, haunting, well written musical that I highly recommend anyone to watch.”
The musical does have some adult themes that may be inappropriate or too violent for young children, including murder, prostitution, and cannibalism.
Tiffany Andrews who attended the show on Friday, September 21, said, “The show is “really good! Everybody is really doing an excellent job and giving great performances.” Robert Nugent is a graduate of Lynchburg College who was a newcomer to Wolfbane Productions said, “It is pretty good so far. I like them [the 2007 movie and the musical] about equal.” He also stated that he thought he would come to another viewing of the musical.
Brooke McDonald, who has seen three Wolfbane Productions’ shows said, “I had to Google it before I came. My aunt invited me…I knew a little bit about it but I had to kind of Google what the story was.”
Wolfbane Productions will be performing Sweeney Todd at Triangle Plaza in Appomattox, VA, every Thursday through Sunday until October 13. Premium seating tickets are $35, with General Admission being $25, and students, military, and senior citizens getting a discount of $5.
Tickets are available to purchase at the front door. The musical starts at 8pm and lasts approximately 2 and a half hours with a 10 minute intermission.
Audiences should note that the production includes strobe lighting effects, fog machines, and loud noises. There are concessions and adult beverages on sale at the theater, but, if show-goers would like a sweet or meat pie, they will have to purchase them in advance for $8.
Coviello encouraged patrons to attend the show. He said, “Come see Sweeney Todd! Wolfbane is one of the best production companies in the area and they did a wonderful job on this show!”
For more information or to reserve tickets, please visit wolfbane.org.