Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

I must confess that the last time I saw �Sweeney Todd� I hated it, and I vowed not to see it again. The Solano Community College production of this show, however, has changed my attitude about �Sweeney Todd�, and I am glad that I went in spite of my reservations. George Maguire (Director) has designed a vehicle for story-telling that is not only true to London, but respects the dark humor and the clever lyrics of this show. His whimsical convention to set the story in Madame Tussauds wax museum is nothing short of brilliant.

If you go to see this show expecting a �typical musical� you will be disappointed. Sondheim is a master at lyrics, but his melody is both vocally challenging and atonal. The song that you will find yourself humming on the way home is rare among his scores. However, when performed well, as is the case in SCC�s production, it can surprise the audience with passionate and transcending harmonies. It can also delight, as with �A Little Priest,� which is the cleverest song in the show.

There is very little to criticize in this production. The set is brilliantly conceived by Andrea Bechert; it is at once minimal, and rich in detail. Its economy of design leads to seamless transitions from one scene to another. The lighting, designed by David Leonard, enhances the often sinister aspects of this dark tale. Staci Arriaga is listed as the choreographer. Since there are no actual dance sequences, I presume to give her the credit for the actors� positioning, which manages to keep the show moving and highlights important scenes center stage.

Costuming is very well executed and is suitably ragged and drab. Instead of stage blood, the only red in this show applies to a couple of selected costumes that emphasize humor, not murder. The orchestra was recorded and mixed by Leslie Ann Jones at Skywalker Sound, A Lucasfilm, Ltd Company. Sometimes having pre-recorded music can be a risky proposition, but in this case it is not only well-done, but serves the crisp and uninterrupted flow of this production.

Maguire has made this tale intriguing and compelling by honoring even tiny nuances of foreshadowing and subtle clues. Since the show is primarily an opera it is critical that the words, the actions, and expressions of the actors be crystal clear and understandable to the audience. Without it, the story is lost, and much of the black humor with it. Maguire and Joseph Anderson (Musical director) have met the mark in that regard.

The entire cast of this show is terrific. Certainly, William Neely (Sweeney Todd) is brilliant. He is handsome, sinister, evil and tragic, singing with a tremendous baritone. Patty Penrod (Mrs. Lovett) is equal to the task of being a partner to such a presence. She not only holds her own, she sparkles. She squeezes out every nuance of humor without being over the top; every movement and song lyric seem natural and unaffected. There is not enough space, nor superlatives, to comment on all of the principles. David Collins (Anthony), Tamra Paselk (Johanna), Jaime Tvrdik (Judge Turpin), Miguel Evangelista (Beadle), and Greg Zema (Tobias), all sing and act their parts with great voices and conviction. There is not a weak link, and the death scene with Jay Serpas (Pirelli) is darkly hilarious.

�Sweeney Todd� is a landmark in musical theatre. Since its award-winning debut in 1979 it has set a new standard. Musicals are moving away from traditional song and dance to a more operatic and lyrical exposition of compelling tales. Solano Community College has embraced this style and tells the �tale of Sweeney Todd� with brilliance and finesse. Whether or not a mass murderer from eighteenth century London is your cup of tea; this show is so well done it would be a shame to miss it. This production runs through 30 April, at their campus theatre.