The School of Theatre, Film, and Television at the University of Arizona is set to present “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” at Marroney Theatre from February 25 to March 17. This marks the first production at the theater following its two-year renovation.
Having undergone renovations since the summer of 2022, Marroney Theatre is reopening just in time for “Sweeney Todd,” with performances relocated to the smaller Tornabene Theatre. The 1956-built Marroney Theatre has received a new lobby, upgraded technology, and a refreshed look as part of the university’s campus facilities enhancement initiative.
“We were aware that the Marroney renovations would be completed around that period. We aimed to stage a significant production that would be fitting for the theater’s reopening,” mentioned Danny Gurwin, the UA theater professor directing the musical thriller.
In this tale set in 19th-century London, Sweeney Todd, a barber wrongly imprisoned for years, returns home in search of his wife and infant daughter. He reunites with his landlord, Mrs. Lovett, who operates a meat pie shop on the ground floor of his Fleet Street premises. Mrs. Lovett persuades Todd to seek vengeance by using his barber razors to kill people.
Desiring revenge, Todd collaborates with Mrs. Lovett, who sees an opportunity for business. Their partnership results in a macabre scheme where he dispatches the victims, and she incorporates them into her pies.
The Stephen Sondheim musical is an adaptation of Christopher Bond’s 1970 play, “Sweeney Todd,” which premiered on Broadway in 1979, winning a Tony Award for Best Musical the same year. The production was later adapted into a 2007 film starring Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd and Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett.
In the midst of rehearsals, James Kelley Carroll portrays Sweeney Todd, while Grace Gebara takes on the role of Mrs. Lovett. Carroll acknowledges the complexity of playing Sweeney Todd, describing him as a captivating yet atypical protagonist due to his morally ambiguous actions.
Gebara commends the exceptional cast of “Sweeney Todd,” expressing her delight in being part of the production. She reflects on the rewarding experience of embodying the character of Mrs. Lovett, highlighting the musical’s profound impact on her performance.
For those interested in attending, previews for “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” are scheduled for February 25 and February 28, with regular performances running from February 29 to March 17, including a post-show discussion on March 15.
Event Details:
- What: “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
- Presented by: University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film, and Television
- When: Previews on February 25 at 1:30 p.m. and February 28 at 7:30 p.m. Regular performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays to Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. on Sundays until March 17, with an additional matinee on Saturday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Marroney Theatre, 1025 N. Olive Road, University of Arizona campus
- Tickets: Available for \(15 to \)35 via Ticketmaster
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