An adaptation of Sweeney Todd.

For anyone who is looking for a musical that is different from the stereotypical upbeat love story, the wait is over. Stephen Sondheim’s dark musical, Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is making its regional debut at The State Theatre this October. Set in London during the 19th century, Sweeney Todd follows the title character as he seeks revenge on Judge Turpin, who we discover has destroyed the life Todd once lived. Todd resides and works as a barber in the room above the meat pie shop of Mrs. Lovett, the show’s leading lady. The pair concocts a plan for revenge that is less than pleasant. The Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, director Keith Lorasch, assistant director Corina McGeachy, and music/pit director Richard Moses have come together to put on this production in full-scale form. A large, active chorus supports a difficult score where the music itself is the star of the show. This is different for those who have seen the recent Johnny Depp/Tim Burton film adaptation, where the score was reduced to accommodate the lack of any chorus whatsoever. This is the first time Sweeney Todd will be performed by any group in the area. Lorasch suggests that this is due to the musical difficulty as well as scenic complexities and “unusual” subject matter. Despite a plot that may be grim, audiences can expect an entertaining performance from the entire cast, including Dr. Robert Knight as Sweeney Todd and Kobi Shaw and Mrs. Lovett.

    Sweeney Todd • Oct. 7-9 at 7:30pm, Oct 10 at 1:30pm • The State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St. • $20 adults, $18 seniors, $8 youth/students • 832-7529 • www.cvtg.org