JACKSON, Wyo. — Join Off Square Theatre in the Black Box at the Center for the Arts for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, running Oct. 18 to Nov. 2.
This award-winning musical combines Stephen Sondheim’s unparalleled score with a gripping narrative that explores the dark depths of revenge and justice. Set in Victorian London, Sweeney Todd tells the harrowing story of Benjamin Barker, a wrongfully imprisoned barber who returns to London seeking vengeance against the corrupt judge who destroyed his life.
With its haunting score and dramatic narrative, the musical explores themes of justice, revenge and the consequences of one’s actions. Off Square Theatre’s immersive production will transform the Black Box Theater at the Center for the Arts into a Victorian music hall, where the ghosts of actors’ past will lead audiences into the dark underbelly of London.
“I sat down with Tina Anderson, our amazing scenic designer, and we set about creating a world of bygone theatrical style mixed with the intimate and powerful ambience of an immersive type of haunting,” said Kate Gleason, director of Sweeney Todd. “It is the Halloween season after all!”
In addition to direction by Kate Gleason, Sweeney Todd also features music direction and original orchestrations by Alec Steinhorn, who will lead the show’s live band. Steinhorn, originally from New Jersey, is a classically trained pianist of 16 years, with experience in pop, jazz, musical theatre and nontraditional styles.
The original orchestra pit for Sweeney Todd on Broadway in 1979 had 26 musicians. For the past six months, Steinhorn has been re-arranging the music for four musicians: an upright piano, which can be played in “non-pianistic” ways by banging the pedals and inserting objects between strings, a cello, a wind player who switches between piccolo, flute, oboe and clarinet and an electronic keyboard to stand in for a pipe organ, celesta and harpsichord.
As always, Off Square Theatre is committed to fostering a vibrant arts community by blending local talent with visiting artists in our productions. By spotlighting local voices alongside those from afar, they aim to create a dynamic cultural dialogue that enhances the artistic experience for audiences.
One of the artists in Sweeney Todd, Lucas Hakoshima, is a recent graduate of Ithaca College and a former Off Square Theatre student.
“After being a part of the Youth Musicals growing up, it feels full circle to return home to work on this production,” Hakoshima says.
Off Square Theatre’s programs are made possible with support from the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board, Shubert Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, the Wyoming Arts Council and the Madame X Society.
The runtime of this show is 2.5 hours, plus a 15 minute intermission.
ASL interpretation will be offered Nov. 2. Contact sadie@offsquare.org for all accommodation details.
Show Advisory
Please note that Sweeney Todd is recommended for mature audiences and includes
strobing lights. For any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage
effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron
comfort, contact Off Square Theatre at info@offsquare.org or 307-733-3021.
