The razor sharp talent of every member of Portland Center Stage’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street makes this show a must-see addition to your Halloween plans this October.
What We Loved
It is no exaggeration to say that from the ensemble to the demon barber himself, every single actor in this production is a master of their craft. As we left the show, I asked my husband and daughter if they noticed the member of the ensemble who hit those incredible high notes — soprano Madeleine Tran — and my daughter said, “Oh my god, yes! And her expressions were so creepy!”
When I heard that an understudy would be playing the role of Mrs. Lovett on opening night, I was desperately sad to miss DJ Curtis Jr.’s performance, but then Ashley Song beat a cleaver to the rhythm of the music and sang “The Worst Pies in London,” and the magnitude of talent in this cast became apparent.
My husband’s favorite performance of this show is by Wildlin Pierrevil as Anthony Hope, the lovesick sailor determined to rescue his love from Judge Turpin. Every line is authentic, and their vocals are spot-on.
The most emotionally wrenching part of this production for me is when the boy Tobias Ragg (played brilliantly by Isaiah Reynolds) sings “Not While I’m Around” with Mrs. Lovett, and the transition in his mental health that follows. Similarly, Miguel Ángel Vásquez as Sweeney Todd skillfully shifts from bitter hero to haunted madman in a way that feels both believable and tragic.
The imagery from this show will stick with you, too. From this day forward, Sweeney Todd will not be Sweeney Todd for me without the revolving building on 186 Fleet Street, designed by Britton Mauk. The rotating nature of the set makes every transition a part of the visual dance of the show, rather than something to be ignored. I could not love the design more.
Is my child old enough to see this show?
One of the great things about Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd —in addition to the incredible music — is that there is plenty of dark humor to cut the horror. The show is gruesome and deals with heavy themes of revenge, obsession, grief, and rage, but most tweens and teens will find the show delightfully chilling, not disturbing.
One important content advisory is that the production includes inappropriate power dynamics and manipulation between a father figure and his ward.
What about the murders? I have a very low tolerance for gore — I had to step out of the cinema during Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, for example — but, these killings are “stage” murders, bloody but not as grisly as the movies. The show is officially recommended for ages twelve and up. I took my eleven-year-old, and she had the best time.
Savor the occasion.
On opening night, due to the absolute genius of the creative team at Portland Center Stage, Humble Pie served meat pies in the lobby before the show. While the themed cocktails will still be available for the rest of the run, the pies were a one-time delight. You can recreate this experience, though, by going out for pie before the show. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
I know it’s hard to make space for a night out. Finding a sitter, and then paying a sitter in addition to tickets can make doing something for yourself feel out of reach. Portland Center Stage hears that. Check out their ticket specials, which include “pay what you will performances,” $25 rush and standby tickets, $5 Arts for All tickets, and more. BIPOC Affinity Night is Thursday, October 10, with sliding scale tickets starting at $25. Runtime is almost three hours, so you’re likely looking at at least four hours of childcare that will be worth every penny.
Please see this show, and make this your best Halloween season yet.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Portland Center Stage at the Armory
September 29-November 3,
Showtimes: Evenings Wed-Sun, 7:30 pm. Matinees at 2 pm on weekends and select Thursdays.
Runtime is 2 hours and 45 minutes, including intermission.
U.S. Bank Main Stage
Audio described: October 13, 2 pm
Sign Interpreted: October 24, 7:30 pm
Open Captioned: October 19, 2 pm
Buy tickets here.
Want to see more spooky shows this month? Here are some options:
- Broadway in Portland’s Wicked
- BodyVox’s BloodyVox
- The Halloween Ball at The Judy
- Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Hansel and Gretel
- Philip Glass’ Dracula conducted by Michael Riesman at The Reser
- Hear Halloween classics in concert by candlelight at World Forestry Center
- Oregon Symphony’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind in Concert
See our performing arts guide here, and remember you can always find popular events on our Kids Calendar!
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