Culver City High School’s Academy of Visual and Performing Arts presents one of its most ambitious productions this week, Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
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From left, Josh Call, Olivia Finnegan and Lilah Wally
Directed by The Actor’s Gang member Jon Kellam, AVPA is bringing together a professional team of creative artists to teach and direct students in this large-scale production, Thursday through Sunday at the Robert Frost Auditorium on campus, at 4401 Elenda St.
Set in 19th century London, the story centers on a mysterious character returning to London by ship. Sweeney Todd is the alias for Benjamin Barker, a wrongfully imprisoned man whose return to London and expected reunion with his wife and child is thwarted by the doings of the sinister Judge Turpin. Along with Todd’s partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett, the pair turn unwitting bystanders into delicious meat pies in their Fleet Street domain.
With music and lyrics by the Broadway legend Mr. Sondheim, this musical thriller was intended to offer something new on the stage.
“I always wanted to do it on the stage, to see if you could scare people with music, especially a 20th century audience that just came off the street where there are much worse things going on,” Mr. Sondheim said.
Bringing the tale to life on the Frost Auditorium stage is a dedicated cast of students, supported by a large team of student crew members, along with the mentorship of professional artists. Students have immersed themselves in their roles, creating a memorable version. They are working with experienced professionals who have worked on productions such as The Lion King, Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark, and a vocal coach who has sung in the Vatican.
Show times are at 7 o’clock Thursday through Saturday nights, plus two matinees, at 1 on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and CCUSD faculty and staff, and $5 for children and students. Special reserved premium seats are $25. Tickets will be available at the door or online at www.avpa.org.
Mr. Spano is co-executive director of the AVPA.
