Stage: Sweeney Todd

A cut above

By Barbara Scherzer

In 1979, the macabre musical Sweeney Todd opened on Broadway. With a score by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, this Tony Award winner was acclaimed as best musical. Set in London in the 19th century, the tale is filled with violence and retribution and may satisfy your hunger for a tasty thriller.

The story opens as an unrecognizable barber, Sweeney Todd, returns home after escaping from prison. While he was away, a criminal judge broke his family apart. With his wife believed dead and his daughter's whereabouts unknown, Todd vows revenge upon those who destroyed his life. He soon partners with the shopkeeper Mrs. Lovett, whose meat pies instantly become the rage of the region because of their secret ingredient--the flesh of freshly slaughtered human corpses.

Douglas H. Baker sings well and renders a charismatic performance as the crazed title character. However, it would be better if Baker showed more emotion early in the show upon first hearing of his wife's demise. Baker also has good chemistry with Ellen Lawson as Mrs. Lovett. Their joint number, dubbed "A Little Priest," which joyfully enumerates the types of fillings for their pies, is terrific.

Good support is given by Dolly Coulter as the mysterious Beggar Woman and Adam Michael Kaokept as the young boy, Tobias. Taylor Campbell as Anthony and Shannon Cangey as Johanna are also good singers, but unfortunately fail to deliver the prerequisite sizzle factor of a young couple in love. The presence of an English accent is often lacking among the cast.

Another trouble spot is the first ensemble number, "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd." This song, based on the Roman Catholic mass for the dead, reveals much of the story. But for those unfamiliar with the plot points, the cast's unclear delivery and/or loudness of the orchestra prevent this segment from being readily understood.

Frederic Pineau designed the beautiful period costumes. Lighting design by David M. Schulman conveys many moods and is especially noteworthy as he foreshadows the coming bloodbath by drenching his cast in brilliant red light. Members of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, under the direction of Richard McGee, engage the senses and add to the atmosphere with their playing.

Sweeney Todd has strong singers, storyline and a mostly stellar veteran cast. If they could jumpstart the opening number and improve their accents, this show might eat you up.