There is a musical version of this tale brought to T.O. by Mirvish Productions. Last Tuesday, I attended the first show of this run. I had very little time to look up any kind of information on the show. All I was able to read online was that it is the story of a barber who turns into a serial killer; set in 19th century London. As well, I read that its run on Broadway last year was very successful. The music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim; known for several other musicals and operas. The story is based on a book by Hugh Wheeler. Thus, I was intrigued about this show and allowed myself to be surprised one way or another.

Luckily the show started a few minutes late, as I heard they were still finishing up some parts of the set. The show begins a little slow but I have to confess I’d had a long day, so that could have made it longer for me. However, the people I was with also agreed that in the beginning, it took a while to “get into it.” Nonetheless, the pace soon picks up and we’re introduced to all characters; first and foremost, Sweeney Todd (played by David Garry). Mr. Todd is a barber, who has just been released from prison. He’s out to get revenge from the judge who sent him to jail (Judge Turpin, played by Keith Buterbaugh) and took his daughter as his own. At this point, his daughter Johana (Lauren Molina) is a young lady whose femininity is tempting to the judge. Todd comes back to live atop a bar owned by Mrs. Lovett (played by Ms. Judy Kaye reprising her role from the Broadway production). The rest of the characters who come into play in this dark story are: Tobias (Edmund Bagnell), Jonas Fogg (John Arbo), a Beggar Woman (Diana DiMarzio), The Beadle (Benjamin Eakeley), Anthony (Benjamin Magnuson), and Pirelli (Katrina Yaukey).

The story unfolds as the songs inform us of how Todd was wronged by Judge Turpin. Mrs. Lovett informs Todd that Johana has been adopted by the judge and Todd’s wife died during his time in jail. The other characters support the story in various ways; for comic relief, to fill in the gaps in the story and to show how us how Todd becomes a killer. All characters play a musical instrument (or more), which only adds to make them more interesting. The versatility in their talent is impressive. They sing and play at the same time. As the story moves along, one becomes aware of the mood and tone set by the music. This show reminded me of the modern opera The Handmaid’s Tale, which I saw a few years ago. It flows in a manner different from other musicals and classical opera but it feels like a modern opera at times. The instruments become part of the characters; for example, Tobias and the violin. Mr. Bagnell plays the instrument so wonderfully while also singing amusing songs. He, in some ways, plays the role of the fool.

The set for this show was also very impressive. Like that of Dirty Dancing, it is simple. However, the set here consisted of some shelves with antique items one would find during that time. When Johana was singing, one could see how a porcelain doll lit up on the shelves. Another example is when Judge Turpin was fantasizing about Johana and at the same time repenting for his lust, a cross lit up on the shelves on stage. The staging just worked so well; it was dynamic without too many items being moved around. As well, every time Todd would commit murder, we’d see another character pour blood from one bucket into another; there would be an alarm-like sound and the stage was lit in red. The whole production is just really neat.

I do have to mention some of my favourite characters: Tobias is the most obvious because although he is developmentally delayed, he speaks of various “truths” in the story and of course, Mr. Bagnell just plays the role so well. I also enjoyed Ms. Molina’s work as Johana; her voice is beautiful and her skill with the cello is just as much impressive. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised. This is a musical unlike the ones people are used to since it’s a dark story with intricate music and smart lyrics. Sondheim has done a really great job in adapting the story for the stage. This is a great prelude to Tim Burton’s upcoming film, with one of my favourite actors, Johnny Depp. I’m very much looking forward to seeing this adaption on the screen.