Choir to perform ‘Sweeney Todd’

Program takes on a darker, vocally demanding show

Elise Riley

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Junior Ryan Lee practices his role as Signor Pirelli during practice Feb. 27. The cast practices in the Auditorium during tech week to prepare for the upcoming shows.

After beginning preparations as early as July, junior Thomas Bryant said he’s looking forward to finally seeing the choir production of “Sweeney Todd“ come together.

According to director John Myszkowski, the choir will perform “Sweeney Todd,” a show rooting from 19th century tabloid drama.

“The storyline comes from what were called penny dreadfuls in 19th century England. They were roughly equivalent (to) somewhat salacious tabloid, kind of like short story reveals that came out sometimes weekly,” Myszkowski said.

According to Bryant, who plays the supporting male role of Toby, the production has a much darker plot than previous shows.

“‘Sweeney Todd’ is this year’s choir gala musical. It’s about a barber, who in pursuit of revenge on a judge who did him wrong, ends up killing people, and with the help of his assistant, Mrs. Lovett, and bakes them into meat pies,” Bryant said.

Myszkowski said the production matched all of his requirements for a new play.

“My criteria usually is, ‘is it a big cast? Is it a lot of chorus? Are they difficult? Was it critically acclaim like nominated or receive Tony Awards, (and) is it of historical significance in the history of theater?,’” Myszkowski said. “(‘Sweeney Todd’) meets all those criteria.”

Bryant said the cast members are talented enough to meet the vocal requirements for the show.

“It’s a really vocally challenging show but we have the people this year to do it, so I think (the musical was chosen) less because of the dark themes and more because of the amazing score,” Bryant said.

The performances takes plac at 7 p.m. March 9 – March 11 and at 2 p.m. March 12 in the Auditorium.