“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” will be the first theatrical production in in Southwestern College’s Richardson Performing Arts Center this spring.

A dinner theater experience is available for those who are interested (dinner seating is limited). Friday, March 1, dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the show will start at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3, dinner will begin at 12:30 p.m. and the show will start at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 7, and Saturday, March 9, dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller is set in the streets of London during the 19th century. Todd, a man who tried to live a quiet, simple life as a barber, had been sent to prison on a false charge by a corrupt judge who wanted to steal Todd’s wife. Upon his release, he is driven to extremes against the judge and “system” that took his family. Todd’s path to revenge and his series of atrocious crimes are encouraged by his reconnection with the impoverished and amoral Mrs. Lovett and her drive to succeed with her pie shop, located below Todd’s barbershop.  

The story is complicated by romantic relationships and features music from one of the greatest American composers of all time, according to Roger Moon, professor of theatre at Southwestern and director of the production.

The cast includes Justin Tinker as Sweeney Todd, Julia Faust as Mrs. Lovett, Shane Schrag as Anthony Hope, Stephanie Wheeler as Johanna, Stephen Stogner as Tobias Ragg, Chris Cole as Judge Turpin, Nathan Bales as Beadle Bamford, Arden Moon as Beggar Woman, and Aron Pfingsten as Adolfo Pirelli.

Ensemble members include Erin Buster, Chris Dodd, Caitlin Harris, Jordan Hill, Kaitlyn Holler, Jacob Marney, Zoe Rea, Joe Tran, Nikia Smith, and Zach Williams.

“The show is a tragedy centered on the blind destructive nature of revenge,” Moon says.  “The department chose the show for its popularity, its music, and its spectacle, as well as its gripping plot, characters, and ideas.”

Devices to assist those with hearing problems are available in the box office, and an area is reserved for handicapped patrons and their companions in the rear of the hall.

For more information, call (620) 229-6272.