Attend the Tale of Sweeney Todd

Contributed

Based on a serialized work of Victorian fiction, the Sondhiem musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will take to the LECOM stage at the Erie Playhouse this October, with dynamic characters, swelling songs, and plenty of local talent, you won't want to miss it.

BEGINNING FRIDAY, OCT. 11

A barber by day, killer by night, Sweeney Todd emerges from the gloom of 19th century London with only one goal in mind: vengeance. With the aid of doting Mrs. Lovett, following the newfound mysterious and gruesome success of her pie shop, and the grunt work of young Tobias Ragg, will Mr. Todd have what it takes to right the wrongs of his past?

From the musical genius of Stephen Sondheim, the Erie Playhouse is proud to present the Tony Award-winning Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street on their mainstage this eerie October, with further creative direction by Richard Davis.

Devon Yates, music coordinator for the Playhouse, is excited to be joining her co-lead Jason Lawergren (Sweeney Todd) onstage as the lovestruck shop owner, Mrs. Lovett: "This has truly been a dream come true. I've wanted to play her for as long as I can remember."

Aside from coordinating, Yates has had the privilege of directing music for several of the shows in 2023. Yates' family have been longtime members of the Playhouse, extending their talents from acting to music direction over the years. Her father, Bruce Yates, is the music director for this production.

"He conducted the show last time it was onstage when — fun fact — my mom played Mrs. Lovett!" Yates noted the extra sentimental value this musical held for her.

In addition to the many returning talents to the Mainstage, several members of the ensemble are making their debut with this musical, including Moriah Bartlett, Aaron Darold, Ciara Ferris, Gina Ghamo, Michael Griffin, Betsy Harben, Hunter Jeffery, Emily Minch, Alex McCauley, Henry O'Neil, Julya Polaski, Shelly Schuster, Robert Stepnowski, and Adrienne Reuss.

Due to the heavier content matter of this production and recurring themes of violence, it may not be suitable for younger audiences. 

Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 11 through Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. // Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, Oct. 20 and Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. // Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St. // $19-30 // For tickets and info: erieplayhouse.org

(Additional dates added: Friday, November 1, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 2 p.m.)