Sweeney Todd opens at Masquers Theatre

The musical production “Sweeney Todd” opens this Friday, October 23, at the Masquers Theatre in Soap Lake. Directed by Randy Brooks, this extraordinary musical stars Daren Vernon and Cheri Barbre and includes the musical directing genius of Merie Walker and Stephanie Moore.

Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is a 1979 musical thriller with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. The musical is based on the 1973 play Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street by Christopher Bond. Set in 19th century England, the musical tells the story of Benjamin Barker, alias Sweeney Todd, who returns to London after 15 years’ transportation on trumped-up charges, to take revenge on the judge who banished him. It is darker than the Masquers’ usual fare but not without its lighter moments.

Sweeney Todd opened on Broadway in 1979 and in the West End in 1980. In addition to several revivals, the musical has been presented by opera companies. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

Evening shows will be on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. on October 23, 24, 30, 31 and November 4, 5, 11 and 12, with Sunday matinées at 2 p.m. November 1, 8 and 15. All seats are $18.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at http://www.masquers.com or by calling 246-2611 (leave a message). Tickets also on sale at the door.

For assistance with purchasing tickets, call the theatre at 246-2611 and leave a message. All tickets must be paid for in advance in order to reserve seats.