Trinity revives powerful “Sweeney Todd”

Review by Don Fowler
Posted 6/7/23

“The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is back after many years at Trinity Rep, where it is given a powerful new production under the watchful eyes of director Curt Columbus.

Columbus …

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Trinity revives powerful “Sweeney Todd”

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“The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is back after many years at Trinity Rep, where it is given a powerful new production under the watchful eyes of director Curt Columbus.

Columbus has wisely recreated the set built for the original production by the late Eugene Lee, with a few modifications by Patrick Lynch.

The “Musical Thriller” with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, fills Dowling Theatre with the chilling story, powerful songs, and dark humor about a vengeful man who teams up with a local “businesswoman” to sell the best meat pies in London.

Erick Pinnick, who has graced the Trinity stage in the past in “Oliver” and “Annie”, is a perfect “Sweeney”, stoic, vengeful, and possessing the perfect voice for Sondheim’s songs.

Countering Pinnick’s serious approach to his character is the always-wonderful Rachel Warren as Ms. Lovett She leaps around the stage with enough energy to light up the dark set, singing up a storm and providing the much-needed comic relief.

Unlike many musicals today, there are several memorable songs, including the opening and closing “Ballad of Sweeney Todd”, the haunting “Johanna”, the lively “Pretty Women”, and the sweet “Not While I’m Around”, all backed by a fine six-piece band.

The musical has a bit of everything from a young love affair to a mean antagonist (company regular Stephen Thorne) to some great special effects.

Sondheim’s lyrics come at you fast and furious and with an English accent, causing me to miss some of them. The action, like the songs, is also fast and furious, crowding the stage at times with constant movement.

Those familiar with the musical wait patiently for the second act when customers sit in the rigged barber chair awaiting their close shave, while Mrs. Lovett waits below.

The supporting cast is made up of some newcomers and members of the Brown/Trinity MFA company.

Columbus has brought many promising young actors into the fold and the cast today has a very diversified look to it.

Many of the old troupe have moved on to other ventures. We miss them and wish them success.

“Sweeney Todd” is at Trinity through June 25.

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