By Mindy Pedlar
The opening night of Cabrillo Stage’s “Sweeney Todd” finished with a thunderous standing ovation from a packed house after a masterful performance by Adam J. Saucedo in the lead role.
Adam J. Saucedo as Sweeney Todd.
From the moment he bursts onto the stage, you know you are in for a treat. His partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett, is played to perfection by Angela Jeffries. The vocal prowess, comedic timing and emotional depth of these two make for stunningly entertaining theatre.
The opening night’s packed house agreed, delivering a thunderous standing ovation.
There is really nothing like the score of Sweeney Todd and under the baton of Maestro Daniel Goldsmith the 20 piece live orchestra soars! Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece is thrilling — dissonance is everywhere not only with the musical notes but also the way in which the macabre and tragic material interplays with songs that run the gamut from classically beautiful to hilariously funny.
The ensemble is perhaps the finest ever assembled in a Cabrillo Stage production. The music is vocally challenging, and these singer/actors bring it to life with all the appropriate beauty, comedy and horror.
Michael Navarro was outstanding as Tobias Ragg, bringing a sweetness and vulnerability to his character. David Murphy’s Judge Turpin was appropriately creepy and smug as he wielded his unjust power. Jorge Torrez as Turpin’s henchman The Beadle, managed to be both chilling and comedic.
Haley Clarke as Johanna • Photo Credit: Grace Khieu Media
As the young lovers, Haley Clarke played Johanna with fear and loathing for her situation while maintaining hope for a chance at better future. The golden voiced Conor Warshawsky was earnest and innocent as Anthony Hope. Together these two present a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak world.
Louis Santia delivers a strong comedic performance as the flamboyant Adolfo Pirelli and Brittney Mignano gives a memorable performance as the Beggar Woman. In a prior interview Brittney shared that she thinks when audiences look past the obvious theme of gore that is often associated with Sweeney Todd, they will see how relatable these characters are. She states “At the heart of it, they are seeking love, revenge, justice and freedom. I hope the audience feels a sense of catharsis for whatever they may be seeking by watching characters that take those pursuits to the extreme.”
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Sweeney Todd’s final performances take place Aug. 7 thru Aug. 10, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Performances are at the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus. Tickets ranging from $25 -$60 can be purchased on line at www.cabrillostage.com/tickets Box Office is open for phone (831-479-6154) and walk up sales Thursday-Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and one hour prior to each show.
Please note: This musical includes adult themes that may not be suitable for all audiences.
Photos by Bari Lee