Following after the brightness and warmth of Perth’s wonderful summers and autumns, winter often conjures up feelings of darkness, despondency and foreboding; and the winter production in West Australian Opera’s 2019 Season will evoke similar reactors when Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street brings his tools of trade to the stage at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Benjamin Barker once had it all; but tragedy, heartache and a brutal act of betrayal lead him into a downward spiral of despair. Determined to avenge his loved ones, Barker returns to London and assumes a new identity, Sweeney Todd, “the Demon Barber” of Fleet Street. Together with the deranged pie-maker, Mrs. Lovett, he plots his revenge on those who have exiled them to society’s outer margins.
Novacastrian, Ben Mingay, will take the role of Sweeney Todd in this production. Mingay famously won a Conservatory of Music scholarship after being dared to audition by his construction co-workers. Perth audiences will also remember his role in the 2017 WASO concert Swing on This.
Joining Ben on stage will be Antoinette Halloran as the ruthless pie-shop owner, Mrs Lovett; while James Clayton takes the role of Todd’s nemesis, Judge Turpin. Beadle Bamford will be sung by Matt Reuben James Ward and Paul O’Neill will appear as Adolfo Pirelli, a scheming former employee of Benjamin Barker. The two lovers, Barker’s daughter, Johanna, and Anthony Hope will be played by Emma Pettemerides and Nathan Stark and Fiona Campbell will appear as the Beggar Woman.
Brett Waymark will lead the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra in this production which also features the West Australian Opera Chorus.
This tragic tale of treachery, deception and revenge is magnificently brought together in Sondheim’s haunting score and will resonate with audiences long after the meat grinder has stopped turning!
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will be at His Majesty’s Theatre on July 13, 16, 18 & 20. For tickets and more information head to waopera.asn.au
Source:- Media release
