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Music Theater Workshop Prepares to Take Stage

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Douglas Boultinghouse
Arts & Entertainment Editor

 

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 Photo by LaToya Shelton
Sweeney Todd - Greg Pearson plays the role of Sweeney Todd in the University of Arkansas-Monticello Music Theater Workshop production of "Sweeney Todd." The cast will perform Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m., in the Fine Arts Center.

   The University of Arkansas-Monticello Music Theater Workshop will present “Sweeney Todd” in two performances April 3 - 4.

  Both performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., in the Fine Arts Center with free admission to the public.

    The cast will perform the Tony Award-winning musical version of the play, written by Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim adapted the musical in 1979, from the original 1973 play by Christopher Bond.

   The plot revolves around Benjamin Barker and his alias Sweeney Todd, who returns to London 15 years after being transported on false charges. Todd seeks revenge on the Judge who sent him away. Todd also learned the Judge raped his wife, which led to her poisoning herself and the Judge raising his daughter, Johanna.

   Todd, now a barber, plans to lure the Judge and his assistant the Beadle into his shop. Once there, he will slit their throats. With the Judge and Beadle out of the picture, Todd can save his daughter.

   Kent Skinner, UAM’s director of Choral Activities and Music Theater, described the play as very dark with a bit of humor.

   “I saw the (original) show on Broadway in 1977,” Skinner said. “I’ve wanted to do it ever since.”

   UAM alumnus Greg Pearson will return to the campus to play the role of Sweeney Todd.

   “This role, not only is it musically and technically demanding, it is an acting challenge,” Pearson said.

   He described the performance as an “endurance test,” as the range goes from “top to bottom, high to low.” Pearson began singing opera professionally in 1997. He performs around the world with the Utah Opera. He said his return to UAM has been just as fun as the role, “It’s so much fun to come back and see all the professors.”

   “UAM has one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever been on,” he said. “It’s so relaxing to return to after living in Salt Lake City.”

   Current students round out the rest of the cast:

  • Erickson Skinner as Anthony Hope
  • Rosalind LaFoon Ross as Beggar Woman
  • Sarah Humphreys as Mrs. Lovett
  • John Gladden as the Judge
  • Brandon Simmons as the Beadle
  • Ashley Couch as Johanna
  • David Brent Miller as Tobias Ragg
  • Rashaad Calahan as Pirelli
  • Dylan Miles as Jonas Fogg
  • The company comprises Miles, Heidi Dardenne, Jim Johnson, Lauren Moon, Beth Thompson, Lillian King, Jennifer Neely, Tabitha Nilsen, Hannah Wilson and David Vaughn.

   According to Skinner, kinks still need to be worked out, but in total he said, “I think we’re where we should be.”

   The cast will hold dress rehearsals April 1-2, adding in the piano and orchestra.

    “Everybody gets a little more excited,” Skinner said as they begin using the set and costumes.

   He encouraged attendees to arrive early for the  performances. Seating will be first-come-first-serve with no reserved or extra seats. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

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