By Russell Tom

“Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” at the Chance Theater, Anaheim’s official resident theater company. This thrilling musical masterpiece will bring the dark, gripping tale of vengeance and alluring intrigue on select days now until August 11, 2024. Directed by James Michael Mchale. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Book by Hugh Wheeler. Music direction by Lex Leigh. Choreography by Mo Goodfellow. The ambitious 9-person cast in this minimalist approach highlights the versatility of each performer. Creative staging and dynamic range provide impactful delivery.

Brooding Sweeney Todd (Winston Peacock), a talented barber wrongfully exiled, returns to dreary London seeking vengeance against the corrupt Judge Turpin (Justin Ryan). With the aid of resourceful Mrs. Lovett (Jocelyn A. Brown), bakes victims into meat pies. Starry-eyed Anthony Hope (Dylan August), the young man who saved Sweeney’s life, becomes desperately in love with the beautiful yellow-haired Johanna Barker (Naya Ramsey-Clarke), Sweeney’s daughter and incidentally the judge’s ward. Both Sweeney and Anthony must be extra cautious around prowling Beadle Bamford (Abel Miramontes), the judge’s right-hand man and officer of the law.

Showy Adolfo Pirelli (Emmanuel Madera) loses a set of challenges to the skillful Sweeny. Youthful Tobias Ragg (Adam Leiva) is the dedicated aid to Pirelli. The wandering Beggar Woman (Laura M. Hathaway) roams London encountering mischief. The talented cast fully owns the wide stage with menacing glee from disgruntled civilians to joyful customers. Clever choreography bleeds into the audience with suspenseful immersion. The captivating multi-level set features cogs, belts, ladders, ropes, furnace, digital projections, and the occasional hanging body bag.

The theater will host post-show talkbacks after every performance. Highlighting the injustice of the wealth gap, story themes, and contemporary societal issues. Vendetta for vengeance brings more sorrow and open more wounds.

A bloody good time is to be had at the Chance Theater. “Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” slices and dices with phenomenal precision. A delicious bite of unforgettable characters and flavorful songs. Tickets can be purchased online at www.chancetheater.com or by calling the box office at (888) 455-4212. Early booking is recommended due to high demand.