OXFORD,
Miss. – “Sweeney Todd,” the gruesome tale of a barber on a vengeful
killing spree by Tony Award-winner Stephen Sondheim, comes to the
University of Mississippi stage Friday (Nov. 7) for one night only.
The
musical, which inspired the Tim Burton and Johnny Depp movie, begins at
8 p.m. at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets,
priced at $30 to $40 for various seating, are available by calling
662-915-7411.
“‘Sweeney Todd’ is sure to be a box office
favorite for fans of musical theatre,” said Norm Easterbrook, Ford
Center director. “This revolutionary revival features an incredibly
talented ensemble of 10 actors and musicians.”
Patrons should note that the show is not a typical musical and may not be suitable for children, Easterbrook added.
“It’s a delicious plot of a demon barber who lures his victims in with a charming song and cheerful smile before casually ending their life with a flick of his razor,” he said. “It’s humorous and exciting with phenomenal musical, but its gory tale might not be for everyone.”
Exiled by Judge Turpin for a crime he didn’t commit, Benjamin Barker, now Sweeney Todd, returns to London to find his wife dead and his daughter the ward of the evil judge. With the help of Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney opens a barber shop where he slices the throats of unsuspecting patrons while giving them a shave. But Sweeney’s lust for revenge is not satisfied by killing one man or even 10 men, because he has yet to convince the judge to sit in his chair.
Erin Parsons, a UM senior journalism student from Oxford, said she loves musicals and is glad to “have the opportunity to see such a popular one here at the university.”
“I would definitely go to see ‘Sweeney Todd’ on stage. Seeing it live is such a different experience than watching the movie, and it will be probably be more memorable as well,” Parsons said.
“‘Sweeney Todd’ is irresistible,” Easterbrook said. “It’s sure to become a favorite among musical-comedy fans and those new to musical theatre too.”
Tickets are also available by visiting the UM Box Office in the Ole Miss Student Union from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or the Ford Center Box Office from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Discounts are available to UM retirees, faculty, staff and students before the day of the performance.
For a complete list of events visit the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts . For assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7411.