Staff Report
WIMBERLEY — Tony Award and Olivier Award winning musical, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” opens July 11 at The Wimberley Players Theater, located at 450 Old Kyle Road.
The Wimberley Players take on Stephen Sondheim’s tale with music and lyrics by Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. This local production is directed by Todd Allen Martin, with musical direction by Carole Hofstad, costume design by former Wimberley Players executive artistic director Trish Rigdon and sound design by BroadwayWorld Austin award- winning sound designer Dylan Barnes.
Lighting and scenic designer Kevin Rigdon, who has designed more than 500 productions, including Broadway, off-Broadway, the West End and various other regional productions, has been instrumental in creating this onstage world, read a news release.
The cast stars Connor Clarke as Sweeney Todd and Charlize Cosmas as Mrs. Lovett, Creighton Moench as Anthony Hope, Natalie Baker as Johanna, Ian Harrison as Tobias Ragg and Rebecca Woods as Beggar Woman, among many others.
“Sweeney Todd” follows the tale of an unjustly exiled barber who returns to London and discovers a local judge has framed him and abused his young wife. On a quest for revenge, Sweeney crosses paths with Mrs. Lovett, who runs a meat shop and encourages him to open a new barber shop, where she is inspired to make pies with one mysterious and troubling new ingredient.
According to the news release, directing Sweeney Todd has been a dream project for director Todd Martin.
“Sweeney is one of the most deeply loved musicals of all time and has been given at least six revivals on Broadway and the West End for its staying power,” he said. “Its sweeping score, complex and thought-provoking themes and memorable characters have given it an enduring legacy.”
Wimberley Players board president Elaine Cardenas noted: “It is such an honor to be able to bring such a beloved story to life on the Wimberley stage with such a talented cast and crew.”
The show is poised to open July 11 and run until Aug. 3. Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Adult tickets are $40, with student tickets available with ID for $22. Groups of eight or more receive a $2 discount per ticket.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online for all “Sweeney Todd” performances at bit.ly/4ljYu9s.
