On the cover of the Sweeney Todd libretto, a book with all the script and lyrics to the play, are two comically drawn figures: first of a woman with dripping blood handprints on her apron and the other of a man that is holding a razor with an expression that is beyond crazed.
The two characters are drawn in black and white with the exception of splatters of red (that one can only guess is blood) which are highlights in the picture as well as the play.
The school musical being preformed this year is Sweeney Todd, classified as a musical thriller. Many students may have seen the movie/musical that was popular, especially for its pick for the main role being played by Johnny Depp.
The storyline, drenched with lots of blood, guts and dark humor earned the movie an “R” rating, attracted a diverse audience of horror lovers and musical enthusiasts. Maybe less popular to students, but certainly not missing any of the popular qualities, is the actual Broadway play Sweeney Todd.
With Sweeney Todd teaming with such “iffy” subjects, some may wonder what made the drama teacher and director, Jeff Pittard, select this play. Pittard said, “The movie was amazing and I’m a big fan of Johnny Depp. I love stories with revenge and blood. What’s not to like?”
Steps are being taken to revise the play to fit the high school allowance of immorality. “I will make some sort of note to inform people that some aspects of the play can be too mature for kids,” Pittard said. “I don’t want the play to “G” rated but I also want to resist making it more of an “R” rating. I’m in the process of thinking of a creative way to make it more in between the two.”
With the play cast and technical group preparing every week, it is expected to have a good turnout. “We have some really talented and dedicated performers so I expect it to be good,” Pittard said. The lead character (Sweeney Todd, the barber of Fleet Street) will be played by junior Dakota Whittington and senior Jessie Grossman will play Mrs. Lovett.
“I feel this play will be one of our biggest plays, physically and terms of support. “Slashers” always appeal to teenagers,” said Grossman.
There are three performances for the musical on March 31, April 1, and April 2 taking place in the auditorium.