HARTFORD—Award-winning musical thriller “Sweeney Todd” brings the dark corners of 19th-century London to local audiences through a historic partnership between TheaterWorks Hartford and Hartford Stage.
This heart-pounding, witty tale of “the demon barber of Fleet Street” runs from June 5 to July 5 at Hartford Stage. Winner of eight Tony Awards—including Best Musical—Sweeney Todd’s music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim and based on a book by Hugh Wheeler.
“Sweeney is one of Sondheim’s most unique and captivating musicals—I couldn’t be more excited to bring this intimate production to the Hartford community as a collaboration for our 40th anniversary season,” shared TheaterWorks Hartford Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero.
The 1979 masterpiece is the first-ever co-production between TheaterWorks Hartford and Hartford Stage. Such a massive production requires double the resources of a typical play at either theater company.
In last year’s official announcement of Sweeney Todd, Hartford Stage Artistic Director Melia Bensussen shared their hopes to introduce new theatergoers to both companies, as there is only a seven percent overlap between Hartford Stage’s and TheaterWorks’ subscribed members.
“Combining the resources of Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford is an opportunity to provide a major theatrical experience to the people of this region,” said Bensussen. “I’m excited to share our space with our colleagues at TheaterWorks Hartford and welcome all audiences to Hartford Stage!”
Matt Faucher stars as Sweeney Todd with Jackie Burns as Mrs. Lovett. The cast also includes Carey Brown as Beggar Woman, Willem Butler as Anthony Hope, Tristan David Caldwell as Adolfo Pirelli and Jonas Fogg, Lauren Maria Medina as Johanna, Brian Ray Norris as Beadle Bamford, Cole Thompson as Tobias Ragg, and Edward Watts as Judge Turpin.
“I couldn’t be more excited to begin this journey working on Sweeney Todd with the incredibly talented Jackie Burns and Matt Faucher,” said Ruggiero. “I’ve had the joy of working with each of them before. They’re not only brilliant artists, but truly wonderful collaborators and two of the most creative and genuinely fun people to be in a room with.”
“The rest of the cast is amazing – and together with a wonderfully talented creative team, there’s so much to look forward to. Partnering with Hartford Stage on this very special project signifies over 100 years of great theater making in Hartford.”
The creative team includes Ruggiero, choreographer Ralph Perkins, and music director Wiley DeWeese. In this large-scale production: scenic design is by Luke Cantarella, costume design by Fabian Aguilar, lighting design by John Lasiter, sound design by Beth Lake, wig, hair, and make-up design by J. Jared Janas, dialect and vocal coaching by Jennifer Scapetis-Tycer, intimacy and fight coordination by Michael Rossmy, and casting by Alldaffer & Donadio Casting. Nicole Wiegert is the stage manager, and the assistant stage manager is Julius Cruz.
“I am excited to welcome this exceptional cast along with our colleagues from TheaterWorks Hartford into our spaces at Hartford Stage as this historic partnership comes to fruition,” shared Bensussen. “This production promises to be a truly special theatrical experience that celebrates all that our Hartford theater community has to offer.”
Learn more about the performance and purchase tickets at twhartford.org or HartfordStage.org. Theatergoers can also call the box office at 860-527-5151 or stop by the Hartford Stage box office at 50 Church Street. Tickets start at $30.
Publisher’s Notes: CT Latino News is proud to partner with TheaterWorks Hartford in supporting the state’s Arts and Culture.