The musical, which is presented as part of Porchlight's 20th Anniversary Season of Sondheim, features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. It officially opened Oct. 7 following previews that began Oct. 3 and was originally scheduled to run through Nov. 9.
Directed by Michael Weber, the cast includes David Girolmo (Benjamin Barker), Rebecca Finnegan (Nellie Lovett), Kelli Harrington (The Beggar Woman), Stephanie Stockstill (Johanna), Brian Acker (Anthony Hope), Edward J. MacLennan (Judge Turpin), Matthias Austin (Beadle Bamford), Kevin Webb (Adolfo Pirelli) and Miles Blim (Tobias Ragg).
The ensemble features Pablo Barajas, Ben Barker, Caron Buinis, Javier Ferreira, Johann George, Rachel Klippel, Matt McNabb, Sierra Naomi, Andy Robinson and Christin Boulette.
"One of Sondheim's most beloved pieces, based on the Victorian era serial, this Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical is a spine-chilling masterpiece of obsession, retribution and culinary curiosity telling the tale of London barber Benjamin Barker," press notes state. "Torn from his family and exiled for 15 years on a miscarriage of justice, Barker returns home to a city as corrupt as when he left. Hell-bent on revenge after learning the agonizing fate of his wife and daughter, he assumes the guise of Sweeney Todd and takes up his razors to dish out a brutal recipe of justice with the help of infatuated and enterprising meat pie-maker Nellie Lovett."
"Sweeney Todd is a seminal work in the canon of Stephen Sondheim. Doug Peck and I are so honored to be able to, again, collaborate on one of this master's works within the intimate confines of Porchlight Music Theatre," Weber said in a previous statement. "This chilling piece is a heart pounding and musically soaring thrill ride and we are delighted to bring a new vision for this lauded classic to Chicago audiences." The creative team includes Jeff Kmiec (scenic design), Bill Morey (costume design), Jenna Moran (sound design), Dina DiCostanzo (dance and movement), Aaron Shapiro (production management), Scott Sowinski (assistant director), Greg Hofmann and Jess Goings (lighting design), Christopher Tisone (properties design) and Julia Zayas-Melendez (stage manager). Music direction is by Doug Peck.
Stage 773 is located at 1225 W. Belmont Ave, IL. To purchase subscriptions or single tickets, visit porchlightmusictheatre.org or call (773) 777-9884.
