Brightest Young Things

Far, far away in a town known as Shirlington, a new “to-die-for” bakery lies amongst a Harris Teeter, Cakelove and Busboys & Poets. Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies will have you wretched with delight. A sweet juxtaposition of gruesome horror and miraculous talent, Signature Theatre’s interpretation of the musical most of us already know and love, Sweeney Todd will leave you mouthwatering.

“Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street is Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece – a story of obsession and revenge, full of gothic gore, lush songs, and romantic melodrama.”
- Signature Theatre Press

Signature Theatre is a recent 2009 Regional Theatre TONY Award winner, and it certainly shows. The MAX Theatre (one of three theaters at Signature) is drearily ambient, set with draped torn rags, a smoky haze and dim lighting. The stage is positioned with just one backdrop, used flawlessly throughout the performance. As for Sweeney Todd, the story’s intensity permeates the atmosphere with the actors almost at eye-level. This is probably the key element of the show: the force and passion behind every sickly glare cast at the crowd.

The ensemble in this production is phenomenal. Nine actors and actresses transition from a Greek chorus, scaling the set’s architecture, echoing the sentiments of the characters below, to Londoners traversing the streets, to dark shadows that emphasize the milieu. Their sharp melodies and staccato accents resonate with the on-stage discord.

Sherri Edelen, who portrays Mrs. Lovett, is particularly provocative in her role. She excels as a maniacal baker, a hopeful lover and the comedic relief to her counterpart, Sweeney Todd (Edward Gero, a DC theatre mainstay for the last 26 years), whose every malicious thought and deadly action is ruled by an obsessive vengeance. Edelen perfectly embodies Mrs. Lovett’s crazed humor and devout companionship for Mr. Todd. She completely captivates the audience with her witty, British behavior and deranged passion for creating human-filled meat pies.

If you don’t see this classic show for the remarkable character portrayal, you should see it so you can hear it – the musical score, conducted by Zak Sandler, is astounding.

Signature Theatre’s Sweeney Todd runs through April 4.
For more information, visit: www.signature-theatre.org

Previously in Live DC:

• 2/13: LiveDC: George Clinton & The Parliament-Funkadelic @ 930 Club
• 2/13: LiveDC: Veronica Falls/ Brilliant Colors @ Black Cat
• 2/13: LIVE DC: Steve Aoki/ Datsik/ Alvin Risk @ Fillmore
• 2/13: LiveDC: The Darkness @ 930 Club
• 2/9: LiveDC: Theophilus London @ 930 Club
• 2/9: Best Weekend Bets
• 2/8: LiveDC: Kathleen Edwards @ 930 Club
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/7: LiveDC: Demetri Martin @ Warner Theatre