‘Sweeney Todd’ coming to WHS

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That infamous demon barber, Sweeney Todd, will soon be wreaking his havoc on Rice Street. With book by Hugh Wheeler and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this dark and witty tale is rife with love, murder and revenge. Awarded eight Tony Awards for its Broadway premiere, including Best Musical, “Sweeney Todd” is a tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat that has simultaneously shocked, awed and delighted audiences around the world.

Drawing from the Victorian penny dreadful novel that inspired it and the composer’s love of suspense movies, Wheeler and Sondheim crafted a gothic melodrama into a morality fable. Sweeney Todd is an unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking vengeance against a lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to retribution leads Mr. Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie bakery, above which he opens a new barbershop. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for retaliation inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up, and the carnage has only just begun!

Led by veteran director and WHS Drama Specialist Stephen Wrobleski, Music Director Dr. Kevin McDonald, and Technical Director Brian McManimon, the cast and crew have been hard at work since early September. The production will feature a live pit orchestra of Wellesley High School musicians conducted by WHS Band Director Steven Scott.

With over 150 students involved and some of the most chilling music ever written for stage, this brilliant but unsettling musical comedy will thrill and delight. Please note that the WHS production of “Sweeney Todd” contains mature content and is recommended for middle school age children and above.

Wellesley Parents of Performing Students thanked the Wellesley Bank Charitable Foundation for generously sponsoring the 2017-2018 POPS Wellesley High School Drama season.

“Sweeney Todd” will be presented in the Katherine L. Babson Jr. Auditorium at Wellesley High School, 50 Rice Street, Wellesley, on three dates: Thursday, November 9 at 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 11 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults, students and seniors for $10, and may be purchased at www.wellesleyps.org/performingarts. Performances run approximately 2.5 hours, with intermission.

For more information, contact the WPS Performing Arts Department during business hours at (781-446-6210 x5720).