Published October 17, 2016
MONROE, La. — The University of Louisiana Monroe’s School of Visual and Performing
Arts (VAPA) presents the classic “Sweeney Todd” for three performances at Brown Auditorium
Oct. 27-29 at 7:30 p.m., the weekend before Halloween.
Sweeney Todd is subtitled “The Demon of Fleet Street,” and “A Musical Thriller” and
has a score written by Broadway icon Stephen Sondheim. The show is about a man who
returns to London, set on righteous revenge after 15 years away in prison. The characters
in the drama are bigger than life as they richly inhabit the fast moving story, enhanced
by the music.
Of course, Sweeney Todd includes a number of surprise twists, a large student cast,
original sets and costumes, orchestra, and props that come from the New Orleans Opera,
which make this a theatrical experience not to be missed.
The title role is performed by Blake Oden, while Mrs. Lovett is played by Elizabeth
Neuberger. Judge Turpin will be Gray Hall, while the young couple Johanna and Anthony
will be performed by Alysa Foster and Jarryd Guttierez. The Beggar Woman is portrayed
by Morgan Rowland. Tobias is Matthew Stewart, and Pirelli will be played by faculty
member Julian Jones.
The performances feature Director, Mark Ross Clark, and Deborah Chandler as the conductor.
Margaret Hall will provide original costumes, and Steve Burnside provides original
set pieces.
Tickets will be available by the end of September in the VAPA office, Biedenharn Hall
Room 105 during regular business hours – Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00
p.m. – and on Friday, 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Student tickets are free of charge, and ULM Staff and Faculty are $5. General Admission
is $15.
For more information, please call the VAPA Box Office at 318-342-1414.
