It was 8 p.m. on the last Saturday before spring break, but Collins Auditorium was full of students watching Mimes and Mummers' latest production, Sweeney Todd. The overall performance could be easily compared to any Tim Burton movie for its gloomy plot, characters and set design.
The plot is easy to follow. The main character, Sweeney Todd, returns home after being exiled for 15 years for a crime he didn't commit, to find out that his wife has committed suicide and his only daughter, Johanna, has been adopted and raised by his enemy, Judge Turpin. Todd formulates a plan with a new friend, Mrs. Lovett, who sells meat pies that make the food in Fear Factor look appetizing. Together they go on a killing spree using Todd's barber shop and Lovett's pie shop as a cover for their ghastly deeds. Add a few catchy tunes and a great cast and you have a brilliant play full of deadly humor, British accents and a twisted ending.
Devlin Shand, FCLC '09, (Todd), gave a wonderful performance. Shand's ghastly appearance and monotone voice is only one of the facets of the character. In addition to a sporadic temper and vengeful demeanor, Shand not only mastered his character, but added the gloomy feeling to an almost bare stage.
Another jaw-dropping performance was that of Mrs. Lovett (Kristin O'Hara, FCRH '10.) O'Hara, who in the beginning sounded a bit out of breath, made up for it by giving a top-notch performance for the rest of the play. O'Hara, also a member of the University Choir, was one of the best singers in the whole production, singing most of the tunes in the show.
The beggar woman, (Emily Tarpey) and the ensemble gave the most memorable performances. Tarpey popped up throughout the production begging and singing, which she does very well. Although she played a minor character, her performance was so strong that it was hard not to notice or remember her.
The ensemble also gave a Broadway-worthy performance as lunatics who escape from an insane asylum. The ensemble jumped into the audience, singing the catchy tune "Johanna" and running and interacting with the audience. This was very well-received by the audience.
Mimes and Mummers have outdone themselves again. With exceptional make up, costumes, music and a killer cast, Sweeney Todd was a total success.
2008 Woodie Awards
Be the first to comment on this story