We are truly excited for this production of Sweeney Todd, School Edition! When the two of us realized the amount of talent we would have this year, we wanted to give our amazing performers a challenge and push them to a higher level of musicianship. As directors, we knew that we also had an opportunity to provide our actors with a well-rounded theatrical education, particularly the opportunity to take on the development of such complex and dynamic characters. We decided to do the "school edition" to of course produce a show that was appropriate for the high school level, but to also produce a show with an intricate artistic vision. The music of Sweeney Todd is definitely some of Sondheim's most incredible music, and we thought it was important for our students to be able to experience it. With an incredible year of talented musicians in the pit as well, we knew we couldn't pass this up.
Stephen Sondheim is one of the most prolific composers in musical theatre to date. He himself said that Sweeney Todd was one of his biggest masterpieces. The musical was adapted from the 1973 play by Christopher Bond, and along with Hugh Wheeler, Sondheim created a production that was recognized with numerous awards and revivals. Sweeney Todd tells the story of a barber who pursues revenge on a man who wronged him, but it is his vengeance that becomes his downfall. Working with character development, students have been able to broaden their experience through a show where they could learn the art of dramatic acting, appreciate the beautifully tragic and symbolic moments, and reflect on the dark and the light of humanity.
We are incredibly proud of our students for not only taking on this challenge with gusto, but also working tremendously hard through the long process of putting on such a show. We would also like to give a big shout out to the awesome crew of parents who have spent countless hours to create our set, work our lobby, and provide meals for us! Lastly, thank you to the administrators for believing in us and supporting theatre at Loveland High School. Break a leg to all of our amazing performers, hard-working crew, and talented instrumentalists! Now, attend the tale....
- Nicole Steketee & Karen Bieser
Considered one of Stephen Sondheim’s best works, this special School Edition of Sweeney Todd has been masterfully adapted to retain the dark wit and grand scope of the original work (with lyric and key changes to facilitate HS productions.) This PG13 show hosts a challenging score for high school students demonstrating the vast intricacies of musical theatre and possibilities available to prepare our students for the next level. Our students rose to the challange on every levle.
Although not recommended for children under the age of 13, the sophisticated theatre goer will appreciate the planning, work and dedication entailed in a production of this magnitude. Sweeney Todd School Edition tells the tale of Benjamin Barker, the barber falsely imprisoned for a crime he did not commit and his desire to seek revenge on Judge Turpin. When his vengeance gets the best of him, Mrs. Lovett, the resourceful pie shop owner, helps him dispose of his victims in a unique and profitable way... in the end, we find that vengeance doesn't pay...
Thank you for attending the dark, witty and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder and revenge set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century London at Loveland High School.
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Web page: www.lovelandhighchoirs.org
