Sweeney Todd ends run on Halloween
The University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” features a special Halloween performance.
The audience is invited to dress up for Friday night’s show and stay for a costume contest and Halloween ball with the cast.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Constans Theatre at the Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion.
Tony Mata, director, said the Halloween performance might sell out. Tickets cost $13 for UF students and $17 for the general public.
The musical stands out because of its dark nature, featuring a main character who slays his barber shop costumers to provide the filling for meat pies.
“It just kind of worked out to be on Halloween,” he said. “We didn’t even plan it.”
Mallory Steffes, a 20-year-old theater major, attended the show on opening night. She is seeing it again on Friday.
“I thought the performance was higher than university quality,” she said. “The set was so foreboding and huge. It adds to the terrifying nature of the show.”
Tyler Ellman, 19, said, “It’s like a Halloween Horror Nights musical.”
Sami Gresham, a musical theatre major, encouraged students to come see the musical even if they have plans Friday night.
“All the parties will happen afterwards anyways,” she said with a laugh.
Gresham, 20, is an ensemble performer in the show.
“We’re all staying around for the costume contest,” she said. “I think it’s going to be really fun.”
Emily Lewis, a 19-year-old musical theater major, plays the role of “Beggar Woman.”
“The best part was seeing everyone in costume,” she said. “We were scary before, but we’re terrifying now.”
The production is staged in gray-scale, featuring shades of gray in the set pieces, costumes and actors’ makeup. This contrasts the frequent presence of bright red blood.
“It already feels like we’re in a Halloween world,” Lewis said.
Tickets can be purchased through the University Box Office at the O’Connell Center. Call 352-392-1653 or visit ticketmaster.com. They will also be available at the Constans Theatre Box Office at 6:45 p.m. Friday.