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Wow, can’t believe it’s been more than a month since Sweeney Todd closed. Lots going on though. So much, in fact, that I haven’t had time to post a couple of photos of the show and then kiss the thing goodbye.

alt textMe as Beadle Bamford, Chris Schaljo as Sweeney, and Cat Guthrie as Mrs. Lovett

We had a really great run. all of the shows, with the exception of the additional Saturday matinee that we added to the last weekend, were sold out. The audiences were effusive, but it typically took them about 20-30 minutes to realize that you could really laugh at the show. George Conrad’s appearance as Pirelli was usually the place where they let go. (George did a fantastic job with the part. And his appearance on stage was always met with laughter and often applause.) Interestingly, the audience was always giddy the first time a throat got slit and one of Sweeney’s victims took a ride down into the bakehouse on his specially designed barber chair. Not just a titter from the crowd. In fact, not even uncomfortable nervous laughter at the spectre of death sliding down to Meat Pie land. No, it was full-on, heartfelt laughter. The cast got a kick out of that during every show.

alt textMe, Johnny Del as the Judge, and Jarek Zabczynski as Anthony

The chair we used, Sweeney’s “special friend,” and the blades used to bloody up the victims as they met their end, were originals from the traveling production of the show. Amazing little pieces of machinery that, when a lever was pulled, created a slide from the top of the house down to the inside of the house. Very ingenious, although those that met their demise atop the house and who had to take the ride to down did end up a bit battered and bruised.

alt textMe and Johnny Dell as the Judge

The cast was a pleasure. The ensemble in Sweeney Todd is large and plays a large part in the show. And the music sung by the cast is difficult too. Probably more difficult than any of the songs sung by the principals. Chris Schaljo, who played Sweeney, was stunning as was Cat Guthrie, who played Mrs. Lovett. Johnny Del, who played the Judge was brilliant, evil, and I don’t ever think I’ll feel the same about him after seeing him sing “Mea Culpa.” Joshuah Patriarco and Carolyn Klocker were great as Tobias and Johanna.

alt textChris Schaljo as Sweeney, Cat Guthrie as Mrs. Lovett, and me as Beadle Bamford.

In short, I couldn’t have been happier to be a part of this cast and to have earned a part in the show. A great production and a great time.

alt textThe finale.