NEWS

The demon barber of Fleet Street is making a stop in Davidson this summer with CSD Summerstock’s production of Sweeney Todd. A classic by Stephen Sondheim, this musical thriller depicts the story of a 19^th Century barber who goes on a murderous rampage fueled by revenge. “Sweeney Todd,” with its twists and turns, originally opened on Broadway in 1979 and won a Tony for “Best Musical.”

Directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge, this production of the Stephen Sondheim piece features multi-generational casting in the intimate setting of the CSDArtSpace. Charlotte-area seasoned actors Kevin Roberge (Sweeney Todd), Lisa Bradley (Mrs. Lovette), Beau Stroupe (the Judge), Allison Rheinhardt (Beggar Woman), and Johnny Hohenstein (Pirelli) lead the 38-member cast.

Prior to the pandemic, CSD Summerstock produced one to two shows every summer. “Sweeney Todd” was on the slate for production a few years ago but had to be postponed due to Covid. “It has been on my mind, and in conversations with Lisa and Kevin, we decided to close the loop and go ahead and do it this summer,” explains Ohlman-Roberge, adding that three-fourths of rehearsals were spent learning the music.

Charlene Thomas is the musical director, while John Smith serves as the conductor and accompanist. “Musically, it is one of the most challenging shows I’ve ever approached,” says Ohlman-Roberge. “I have always loved the harmonies and the way they support the action with so many conflicting notes. Even as you know you are singing it correctly; you are not 100 percent sure you are singing it correctly.”

Ohlman-Roberge says she thinks Sondheim’s intention with the score was to keep both the audience and the singers present in the tension of the play. “For younger singers, the harmonies are a great challenge,” she says, adding that educationally, the use of the ensemble as a Greek chorus of sorts is a great teaching tool around how plays have evolved from the earliest times.

The multi-generational cast model appeals to Ohlman-Roberge because it involves a good deal of ad hoc mentoring, as the younger actors watch the older actors work. “The relationships that are developed both on and off stage are fascinating, rich, authentic, as everyone gets to experience the play from multiple points of view,” she says.

For Kevin Roberge, this show marks the third time he’s performed in Sweeney Todd and his 50^th feature role. “I like “Sweeney Todd’s” dark humor, witty lyrics, and dialogue, and the extremely challenging musical score,” says Roberge. “I’m excited to be reunited with some very talented actors in the area, and I’m also excited to work with the talented emerging artists who are in the cast.”

Lisa Bradley, who has done the show twice before, says “Sweeney Todd,” is one of her favorites. “Sondheim’s genius of blending horror and humor with an amazing score is hard to pass up,” says the award-winning actor. “The true star of this production is the creativity of our director, Melissa. She amazes me each time I get to work with her.”

“Sweeney Todd,” runs Wednesday, June 26 through Sunday, June 30 at CSD ArtSpace, 404 Armour Street, Davidson. You can purchase tickets at csdspartans.seatyourself.biz