“Sweeney Todd”
Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford
Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford are currently presenting a simply magnificent production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s musical, “Sweeney Todd.” The nine member company is stellar and strong and there is glorious singing throughout. The curtain is up when the audience arrives at the show and one is immediately presented with a steely, imposing set (brilliantly designed by Luke Cantarella) which serves to the be the perfect space for this musical to exist.
If one, at times, misses a full chorus for “Sweeney Todd,” the superb director Rob Ruggiero makes everything work in the show and don’t be surprised if you don’t leave more frightened and overwhelmed than when you came in. This production of “Sweeney Todd,” on the stage at Hartford Stage, should definitely satisfy both those (like myself) who have seen many stagings of this show, as well as newcomers who are seeing the musical for the first time. It is truly an unforgettable evening of theater.
The two leading roles have been cast extremely well. Matt Faucher makes for a more handsome Sweeney Todd than usual, though this actor proves to be fiery and a definite force to be reckoned with. His rendition of the monumental song “Epiphany” is a startling and emotional tour de force. As Mrs. Lovett, Jackie Burns brings a great deal of humor to her role and her two big numbers, “The Worst Pies in London” and “By the Sea,” are pretty sensational. And, just like her costar, her performance is multi-layered, and it must be mentioned that she brings a touch of Patti LuPone (who was a terrific Mrs. Lovett on Broadway) to the role, particularly in the second act.
This “Sweeney Todd” also offers many opportunities for the supporting performers to shine and make their mark. The sailor Anthony is portrayed by the excellent Willem Butler, who sings crystalline renditions of the song “Johanna” during various moments in the show. And, speaking of the character Johanna, the lovely Lauren Maria Medina is a wonder in this part and her soprano voice is clear as a bell, especially in her solo “Green Finch and Linnet Bird.”
The stalwart Edward Watts is a suitably creepy Judge Turpin and his performance is matched by the fine work of Brian Ray Norris as the judge’s counterpart, Beadle Bamford. In a much more sympathetic and innocent role, Cole Thompson is the ideal Tobias and he is truly touching singing “Nothing’s Going to Harm You,” alongside Burns’ Mrs. Lovett. Playing the mysterious Beggar Woman, Carey Brown is splendid, offering bawdy caterwauling, as well as moments that can almost break your heart. And Tristan Caldwell is a funny and luxurious Adolfo Pirelli, making this character more of a standout than I have ever previously seen before.
And, if the director is able to bring such fantastic performances from his cast, he also works wonderfully with his designers. As mentioned, the unit set is simply awesome, with many playing areas for the actors to perform and there are even spine tingling moments when the characters come down into the aisles and interact with the audience. Fabian Fidel Aguilar’s costumes could not be better and the costuming also helps to define each of the characters. The stylish, atmospheric lighting, courtesy of John Lasiter, is a marvel and the sound design by Beth Lake is crystal clear.
The wonderful music director Wiley DeWeese leads the offstage orchestra fabulously, bringing out all of the colors of Sondheim’s music. Though there are not a lot of opportunities for the choreographer Ralph Perkins to really shine, his contributions coalesce perfectly with Ruggiero’s overall direction and they deliver a knockout punch. It is highly recommended to “Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd” (as the opening lyrics say) and this production, coproduced by Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford, can almost serve as a benchmark in how to bring out all the many qualities of this powerful show to the stage.
“Sweeney Todd” runs through July 5, 2026 at Hartford Stage, 50 Church St., Hartford CT. For tickets and more information, please call 860-527-5151 or visit www.hartfordstage.org.
Photo: (L-R): Matt Faucher, Brian Ray Norris, and Jackie Burns
Photo by T. Charles Erickson
Reviews by Zander Opper 