This musical is to die for

DON’T miss another ground-breaking theatrical experience, Sweeny Todd, by KickstArt, at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 8 to 24 August.

A regular penny-dreadful, this musical noir thriller by contemporary American musical-theatrical genius, Stephen Sondheim, features one of the greatest musical theatre scores ever written.

It tells the bizarre tale of the outlandish urban legend of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, who famously murdered his clients in his barber’s chair, where-after his whacky neighbour, and partner-in-crime, Mrs Lovett, turned them into much sough-after meat-pies.

Sweeney Todd looks at what drives a man to this sort of extreme and considers what tragedy lies in his dark and mysterious past.

This gripping, often hilarious, musical features such classic songs as Pretty Women, Johanna, Not While I’m Around, By the Sea and A Little Priest.

This KickstArt production stars Johannesburg musical theatre star, Jason Ralph in the title role, and local favourite, Charon Williams-Ros as Mrs. Lovett.

Others in the cast include Lyle Buxton as the strapping young sailor, Anthony, and sweet-voiced Johannesburg soprano, Sanli Jooste as his beloved Johanna.

Bryan Hiles plays the simpleton, Tobias, well-loved Durban bass, Richard Salmon returns to the stage as the evil Judge Turpin, Danilo Antonelli (currently on scholarship at Regent’s College, London) makes a flamboyant Pirelli, Liesl Coppin plays the enigmatic Beggar Woman and Darren King the odious Beadle.

It is directed by Steven Stead, with set designs by Greg King, and costumes designs by Neil Stuart Harris. Musical direction by Shelley McLean and Justin Southey. Lighting is by Tina le Roux.

Tickets are priced between R130 and R200. Booking is through Computicket. For block bookings of 10 or more, or sold performances and early bird specials, contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places on 083 250 2690 or e-mail: editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com