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Home > Blogs > Arts and Entertainment > Archives > 2009 > March > 09 > Entry
WSU’s ‘Sweeney’ big in a small space
Many area theatergoers are familiar with the positive experience and great ticket value of seeing one of Wright State University Theatre’s mainstage productions.
Some who may have wanted a sample of the same experience in a smaller, but not necessarily lesser format, won’t get to do so before WSU’s basement offering of “Sweeney Todd” closes Sunday, March 15.
Only about 75 people can get in to see each show due to the stage setup, which resulted in taking a bit off the sides and front for spectators.
Directed by Lee Merrill, who brings the experience of performing professionally in the show, the vigorous production was satisfying for fans of “Sweeney Todd” and of Stephen Sondheim musicals in general on Saturday, March 7.
There were effective individual performances — Tim Singleton as an underplayed Sweeney, whose vengeance burns most powerfully on the inside; Laura Lacara, by contrast just as openly expressive as Mrs. Lovett; Jerome Doerger as the disturbed and disturbing Judge Turpin; Kelly Pekar as the Beggar Woman; Jeff Newman as Tobias and flaxen-haired Valerie Reaper (who went on as the understudy) as Johanna.
Sitting close to them in the snug Herbst Theatre, which was draped in burlap and fogged with Londonesque stage smoke, there was no overlooking the energy and unity of the ensemble.
The Act 2 song “God, That’s Good!”, during which they reveled in cannibalistic delight over Mrs. Lovett’s meat pies, lived up to its title due to their characterizations.
As is often true with shows in the Herbst Theatre, it’s disappointing that more people can’t see them. This is definitely one of those cases.
“Sweeney Todd” will be presented again at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. next Sunday in the Creative Arts Center. Tickets are $10 and go on sale 90 minutes before each show, but will probably sell out within 30 minutes. Call (937) 775-2500.
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