After years of unjust exile, Sweeney Todd (John McCool Bowers) returns to London to avenge the death of his wife and the adoption of his daughter. Before he can take the lives of the guilty parties – masochistic juror (Michael Heimos) and his malicious henchman (Tom McMahon) – Todd must devise an effective scheme. Pairing up with Mrs. Lovett (AnnaLisa Erickson), Todd shaves his clients’ faces and brutally murders them, while Mrs. Lovett bakes the corpses into her award-winning pies. Thanks to the musical’s apt direction, talented actors and unique beginning, Morgan-Wixson’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” successfully recreates London’s dingy Fleet Street with all of the necessary darkness and dirt.
Set designer James Paul Xavier built the stage to incorporate multiple floors, which in turn, improve the musical’s direction. The action takes place on the entire expanse of the stage, both vertically and horizontally, creating a dynamic experience. When the musical intertwines three separate songs at once, director Valerie Rachelle conquers the dilemma with grace and elegance. To make use of the well-constructed stage, each character sings his part on a different level, demonstrating the director’s far-reaching vision.
Although multiple performers excel, only two brilliantly shine: Bowers and Erickson. Bower’s depiction of Todd’s spiral from spiteful vengeance to pure evil is inspiring. His acting skills coupled with his deep, tuba-like vocals make for a cruel and wicked Todd. Unlike Bowers, Erickson struggles with her voice as Todd’s murderous and highly inventive neighbor, but aptly compensates for her deficiency with a loud personality and superior acting skills. As such, Erickson’s coquettish and playful nature makes her a natural for the role. Other honorable mentions include Beadle Bamford (McMahon) for his outstanding vocal range and Pirelli (Brandon Stanford) for his timely comic relief.
Aside from the direction and the acting, is the ingenious beginning. As the audience shuffles into the theater, two paupers sit on the stage and drink generously from a bottle. Rising from their leisurely state, the men methodically carry bodies onto the stage. When the play starts, the corpses come to life, singing “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd”. This lack of a formal introduction transports the audience into a different time and setting. It also gives the sense of fluid continuity; whether or not the audience is present, the action would still be happening.
Fleet Street comes to life in the Morgan Wixson’s rendition of “Sweeney Todd”. Although the musical could have benefited from a live orchestra, the production still makes a lasting impact through the direction and acting. In fact, a key life lesson can be learned from the play: Never eat pies or hire stylists on Fleet Street.
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” will continue its run until April 7. Tickets cost $23. The Morgan Wixson Theatre is located 2627 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica.
Natalia Evdokimova has been involved with theater throughout her life and has reviewed theatrical productions for local and citywide publications since 2005.
