Sweeney Todd (SVCT)

April 28-May 20 (Morgan Hill)

SVCT’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Morgan Hill Playhouse features many familiar SVCT faces but also drew new talent from around the area.

Producers: Michelle Griffin & Joy Reynolds
Director: Megan Griffin
Vocal Director: Alan Chipman
Music Director: Mark Wong
Stage Manager: Jenn Oliphant
Set Designer: Michelle Griffin
Costumer: Michelle Griffin
Props Mistress: Lorraine Bell

Sweeney is played by Guillermo Morales who we last saw in Pintello’s production of Spamalot and who we first met in his stand-out performance as Dave Riley in The Outsider at Limelight. Vivienne Castillo does a wonderful job as Mrs. Lovett. Andy Gonzalez shines in the role of Anthony — we had previously seen him in SVCT shows such as Rock of Ages (Drew Boley), Godspell (Jesus), and Follies (young Buddy). And it’s always fun to see friends like Cambria Pace and Makayla Hoiberg on stage!

I enjoyed the production much more than I expected and think they did a great job! “The Worst Pies in London” and “A Little Priest” were wonderful, and the fancy barber chair with its special effect trap door were fantastistic.

The orchestra was one of the best I’ve heard at SVCT shows — kudos to music director Mark Wong (who was last seen on stage as George in The Drowsy Chaperone!)

While we worked concessions/bar for a couple of shows, we actually got to sit and watch fully on Steam Punk Night (May 6) where they not only added steampunk elements to the set and cast costumes, but quite a few audience members came fully decked-out in Steam Punk attire as well.

Unfortunately, the performances May 12 -14 performances were cancelled because of a COVID exposure in the cast, but hopefully they’ll have a strong closing weekend, including High School night on May 19th that includes a talk back and backstage tour.