Dramatic Arts Unit Stages Sweeney Todd Performance
In the heart of the academic year, the Holy Cross campus witnessed a remarkable production of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," a musical written by Stephen Sondheim that continues to resonate with audiences today.
The story of Sweeney Todd, a wrongfully imprisoned barber seeking vengeance against a corrupt authority, mirrors ongoing societal struggles, making it a production that is as relevant now as it was when it was first created in 1979.
Under the direction of Meaghan Deiter, the production at Holy Cross delivers a dark narrative that challenges audiences to consider the deep consequences of injustice and obsession. Deiter, who has previously directed Oklahoma! and Company at the PAC, brings a fresh perspective to this timeless tale, interpreting its complex characters and moral dilemmas in ways that reflect today's societal issues, making the dark narrative accessible and thought-provoking for contemporary viewers.
Jimmy Duffy, who stars as Sweeney Todd, describes the experience as filled with joy and a great bonding experience. Rachel Golden, a senior doing her 4th show at the PAC, echoes this sentiment, describing the production as a blast and noting the lighthearted cast bonding. The cast and crew are praised for their kindness and talent.
The production of Sweeney Todd is the biggest Holy Cross has had in the Luth so far, with 26 students in the cast, 15 in the orchestra, and 12 students running technical aspects. Tickets for the show are available for purchase on the Prior Performing Arts website, and are reduced to $15 for the Holy Cross community.
Meanwhile, the English Honors Program hosted a Winter Celebration on Wednesday, November 20th, where students presented their thesis projects. The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival, based in Baltimore, traditionally occurs on the first weekend of October, and the article "HC Professor's Screenplay Presented at Poe Fest in Baltimore" highlights a screenplay presented at the event.
Lastly, Tim St. John '26 has written a guest piece titled "I Attended the Tale Four Times: A Reflection of My Time on Fleet Street," reflecting on his experiences with the production.
With its strong contrast to lighter productions like Oklahoma! in themes and choices made during its creation, Sweeney Todd presents a harrowing and jarring tale of a bloodthirsty barber ravenous for revenge, but is also a hilariously dark musical. Its dark but witty musical score engages and provokes reflection, demonstrating how Sweeney Todd continues to speak to audiences through its portrayal of despair and the human cost of revenge.
[1] "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweeney_Todd:_The_Demon_Barber_of_Fleet_Street [2] Sondheim, S. (1979). Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. [3] Cabrillo Stage. (n.d.). Sweeney Todd. Retrieved November 26, 2022, from https://www.cabrillostage.com/shows/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street/ [4] Deiter, M. (Director). (2022). Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, IN. [5] Deiter, M. (2020). Director's Notes: Sweeney Todd. Retrieved November 26, 2022, from https://www.holycross.edu/sites/default/files/2020-02/Sweeney%20Todd%20Directors%20Notes%202020.pdf
- The production of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" at Holy Cross, a dark musical with a timeless tale that reflects societal issues, has become the biggest event in the Luth so far, attracting the participation of numerous students and the community.
- As the American academic year unfolds, the Holy Cross community has been enriched by not only entertaining events such as "Sweeney Todd," but also intellectual ones like the English Honors Program's Winter Celebration and the Traditional International Edgar Allan Poe Festival.
- The student-led production of "Sweeney Todd," under the direction of Meaghan Deiter, has resonated with audiences through its complex characters, moral dilemmas, and dark but witty musical score that continues to speak to audiences today.
- Members of the Holy Cross community, including the student cast, orchestra, and crew, as well as the guest writer Tim St. John '26, have shared their experiences and reflections on the production, demonstrating the strong bond formed within the community through shared arts and events.
