Local talent showcased in new production of Sweeney Todd

A musical theatre classic is on full display in Palmer.

After its opening last weekend at the Glenn Massay Theater on the campus of Mat-Su College, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street returns for eight more performances over the next two weekends. The show will run Friday and Saturday evenings, with matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays.

Winner of eight Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 1979, the Stephen Sondheim musical tells the story of a vengeful barber and his accomplice making their way in the oppressive industrial revolution world of 19th century London. Part horror story, part tragic opera, and part social satire, this production of Sweeney Todd is directed by Cory Rausa, the Massay Theater’s lead technician.

Rausa became fascinated with Sondheim’s work when he watched a filmed version of the composer’s 1987 Tony Award-winning production of Into the Woods. After seeing the movie version of Sweeney Todd, starring Johnny Depp, he became interested in directing the musical himself.

“This show historically challenges every artist who approaches it,” Rausa wrote in his director’s notes. “That’s why I’m endlessly proud of all the people who have poured themselves into this work – the actors, musicians, production team, crew, and countless volunteers who helped build out this world from the ground up.”

The original Broadway production featured Len Cariou and film and stage legend Angela Lansbury in the lead roles. For the local production, Rausa has cast veteran actors Bronsen Stewart and Mary Tucker in the roles of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett.

Tucker is perhaps best remembered by local audiences for her star turn as Audrey in 2022’s Little Shop of Horrors, coincidentally directed by Stewart. She appeared more recently as Lily St. Regis in Annie, last spring.

She said she’s been hooked on Sweeney Todd since seeing the movie as a child. So playing Mrs. Lovett has been a dream role for her.

“It’s been an absolute honor to be part of bringing this iconic show to the stage. I’ve always wanted to play a character that’s more than just the comic relief, and Lovett is a perfect example of that,” Tucker said. “She goes through such a wide range of emotions, and exploring all those layers has reminded me why I love this form of storytelling so deeply. Plus, I get to be an absolute menace on stage, which is just a blast. Honestly, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot.”

But cashing in that jackpot requires overcoming the challenges of taking on such a difficult show.

“From the very first note, Sweeney Todd grips you and refuses to let go,” Tucker said. “The music is incredibly intricate, and the story matches that complexity perfectly.”

She said audiences can expect a fun night of theatre from Sweeney Todd.

“It’s got everything — revenge, morality, madness, plot twists, and comedy. Can’t get much better than that,” she said. “Everyone involved in this production has truly poured their heart and soul into bringing this story to life, and it shows.”

Tucker said she has been impressed by the level of talent and commitment newer actors have brought to the production.

“One of the highlights for me has been getting to work with so many new, talented people, especially Avi Davis, the young actor playing Tobias,” she said. “It’s been inspiring to see such passion and skill from someone so young. Watching him tackle such a challenging role has been incredible.”

Director Rausa agreed. He said the 29 actors involved effectively bring the story to life.

“The cast is phenomenal,” he said. “It’s just the right mix of new and established talent to put on display the challenging performance that Sondheim is known for.”

A veteran of more than 70 local shows since 2003, Rausa has directed almost yearly since being hired as lead technician at the Massay Theater when it opened in 2015. Although he cut his teeth doing tech work – designing and building sets – he noted the essence of community theater means having to wear many hats.

“I’m an everything person who’s never going to master any of them. I try to stay humble and find people who are better than me at all of the disciplines required to put on a show of this size,” Rausa said. “Directing is painful and hard. Always being a learner first is what keeps me hooked on this craft.”

Garry Forrester, the Massay Theater’s managing director, said being able to find actors and musicians locally who were talented enough to tackle the show was critical. But none of it would be possible without Rausa’s passion for the show.

“In theater, it has to be a passion project,” he said. “This production has a well-chosen cast with good cohesiveness. They appreciate the material very much, and they’re intent on giving audiences the best show possible.”

Forrester said the show is part of an ongoing goal to make the Massay “become the destination point for seeing high-quality musical theater.”

“It’s a quality production,” he said. “It’s just a fun show to lose yourself in.”

Tickets for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street can be reserved online at the Glenn Massay Theater website. The Friday-Saturday evening shows have a 7 p.m. curtain. The Saturday-Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.