The Triangle

Issue date: 6/3/05 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: http://ardenttheater.org

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Arden Theatre's production of Sweeney Todd. Sweeney Todd is a horror story of Grande-Guignol proportion, in which an unjustly exiled Barber returns to Victorian London to vengefully serve the town a slice of their own hypocrisy. As he "shaves the faces of gentlemen who never thereafter are heard from again," Miss Lovett's "unsavory" meat-pies become the talk of the town with her newfound secret ingredients. This production, although not entirely "bien cuit," is fresh with different choices that keep the initial taste of the traditional Sweeney Todd with a tinge of a different flavor.

It's a nasty but delicious tale not for the squeamish stomach nor the weak of heart. However, for those who wish to brave the madness of Fleet Street, it is a theatrical experience worth dining upon. The ingredients: a succulent medley of fright and comedy, blended with a disturbing plot, and served "well done." Although the show demonizes and moralizes through the squalor of London's streets, it stirs life-filled young love with death and murder, the ultimate tale of passion for devotion and blood.

The Arden Theatre took advantage of their historic warehouse environment to create the atmosphere of the show. Not only was the audience pulled into the show, they also became a part of it. The chorus and cast continuously acted within the audience. In addition to the cobbled stage and faded paint jobs declaring "meat pies," one finds themselves surrounded by wooden side-walks and clothes lines draped along the rusty brick walls.

There were several creative choices taken by the director that I found subtle, pointed and original. The front row even got to sample some of the pies during a number in which a young lad, Tobias doled out the confections to the hungry town. Todd's makeup was ghastly and therefore wholly effective. I believed that he had just stepped off the boat after being rescued from years of miserable incarceration.

Media Credit: http://ardenttheater.org

I am familiar with this piece, having once acted in it and viewed various productions. Listening critically, I noticed a vocal anomaly in Miss Lovett who is skillfully played, but not thoroughly nailed, by Mary Montello. Perhaps it was an intentional choice that she was always exactly one beat behind the music. She still sang beautifully, although her accent on occasion slipped.

Thom Sesma took on the role of Sweeney Todd with an extremely frightening level of intensity. His character threatened to serve humanity a razor sharp slice of death. His performance threatened to overact. After Act I, however, he was sharp as a razor blade and right on the energy. Sesma is known for tramping the rafters pre-performance and glaring down at the audience as he seeps into character, a very method approach. It is no surprise that Thom Sesma trained with famed acting theorist Uta Hagen.

It would take bad blood to go wrong with this intricate and dark musical, often considered an opera by Sondheim. Considered one of Sondheim's most layered and complex shows, the music kills with sweet delight and macabre twists. The lyrics are filled with rhythmic wit, beautiful ballads and melodies that will haunt the audience days later.

Did it frighten? It terrified. Was it chilling? Audience members quaked in their seats. Would I recommend it to a friend? I would belong in Mr. Todd's chair if I didn't. It was a worthwhile production that gleamed with energy and blood and left the audience starving for more; A tale most definitely worth attending.

Sweeney Todd plays at the Arden Theatre until June 19.

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