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Health & Fitness

'Sweeney Todd' at the Phoenix Stage Company - My Review

Naugatuck's Phoenix Stage Company tackles the horror musical and it is not to be missed.

So some thought that the space of the Phoenix Stage Company was too small for the musical Sweeney Todd. It turns out that the PSC is the perfect size for what was intended by Stephen Sondheim to be a chamber piece. In fact, the intimacy of the black box theatre adds to the humor and certainly the horror of this creepy piece.

Director Ed Bassett has worked out all of the problems that the limited space may have created with aplomb and for that he should be congratulated. Where he has outdone himself, however, is the way he has coordinated the technical aspects of this notoriously difficult production. In conjunction with the performances of this all-star cast, the amazing production values raise this Sweeney Todd to a 'not to be missed' level.

I was pleased to be allowed to attend the final dress rehearsal with a great group of UNH students studying Sondheim. The theatre was darkened and the stage was lit somberly (and beautifully) by Dan Checovetes. Mr. Bassett's taped opening announcements had an ominous tone. As the three-piece orchestra assembled in a corner behind the audience began the first strains of the overture, I realized how excited I was to see another musical on the Phoenix's stage. This one is so big that it required two musical directors, Dan Porri (conductor) and John Dressel (on keyboard one.)

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The tale of Sweeney Todd had me transfixed throughout the two acts. Each performance was a  work of art; the members of the cast embodied their iconic roles. The all-black set with various levels and areas to suggest the locations in London is well-designed by the director. The steam punk costumes that I had only seen in photos were appropriately creepy and off-beat; the strict black and white aura was extremely effective. Ensemble member Marsha Gaylord can take credit for the jewelry design and construction. As the actors entered and exited through the aisles, the audience got a close up view of the perfectly creepy outfits. I loved then all, but my absolute favorite was the beautiful white number worn by the lovely Johanna.

The lighting was almost a character in the show because it was so well done. It relied on red lights to take the place of the blood at critical points in the action because the director made a conscious choice of a bloodless production. I thought that the stage had never looked better. Another pseudo character was the barber chair with a secret that was designed and constructed by the amazing volunteer John Poulin; when it worked perfectly, the test audience applauded. Watch for the cameo of the director when the barber chair is delivered to Sweeney.

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Kudos to each and every member of the cast on getting this massive piece on the stage with only 19 rehearsals. The ensemble included the talents of Troy Bond, Rhiannon Carta, Deborah Damanta, Marsha Gaylord, Jack Harding and Kristen Jacobson. They rocked their costumes and makeup and managed to stare down the audience at appropriate points. Leland Schick stepped out of the ensemble to play a fine Jonas Fogg.

Meric Martin was amazing as the over the top Pirelli. I wanted to hear more of his wonderful voice and he definitely wore the best shoes. Amber Lynn Dumphy was nearly recognizable to those who knew her as the Beggar Woman and surprised me with her amazingly powerful singing voice. Emily Diedrich used well her lovely soprano voice as the sheltered Johanna and Stephen Michelsson was his usual bundle of talent in the role of her suitor Anthony.

Ron M'Sadoques sang the part of the tenor Beadle Bamford ominously. Jonathan Ross was infinitely creepy as what some might call "the creep" Judge Turpin. Richard Damaso appears younger and simpler in the role of young Tobias and of course, sounded amazing as he sang the complicated numbers.

I knew that Marilyn Olsen would sing the starring role of Mrs. Lovett perfectly and she did. What I realized is how well she embodied the character of the evil meat pie proprietress. In constant motion. she drives the action of her scenes. Joe Harding is simply outstanding in the title role; his low notes gave me chills just as it had a rehearsal.

Click here to read some observations I made during a visit to a rehearsal Sweeney Todd.

Sweeney Todd tickets are selling very well. Opening Night  (Saturday 9/14) is SOLD OUT. Sunday 9/15 only has 6 seats left and they are scattered. Next weekend is starting to fill up fast. Be sure to call the theater at 203-632-8546 to reserve your seats. I would hate to see you miss it.
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