Spring Break
'Sweeney Todd' comes with a twist to Western
Scott Waldyn
Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: The Edge
Western Illinois University's Bureau of Cultural Affairs and Center of Fine Arts and Communication presented an offbeat rendition of "Sweeney Todd" in Western Hall last night.
The musical, recently made popular by Tim Burton's cinematic adaptation starring Johnny Depp, encompassed a rather unique style of direction on stage. Very few props were used in the show, and the set design was just enough to fill the background, leaving the audience's attention on the cast.
"They're more performing than actually telling a story," said Jonathan Self, a graduate student studying acting.
The unique style, while it may have been somewhat off-putting to fans of the film, was an interesting choice, relying on the opera-like vocals of the musical rather than any stage action or catchy visuals to mesmerize and hypnotize attendees.
"I thought it was very good, especially considering the fact that the actors are acting, singing and playing instruments," said James Willis, senior graphic communication major.
When not performing directly in the spotlight, all the cast members sat along the sides or in the background of the stage providing music for the vocals. The live orchestra undoubtedly heightened the performance, adding another level of hypnotization to already well-practiced performers.
Out of all the actors on stage, the one cast member who stood out as the most powerful was Carrie Cimma, portraying Mrs. Lovett, one of the leads. Her depiction of the witty character evoked a dark, sadistic charm with the audience, cracking twisted jokes one could not help but chuckle to, even if they were a bit morbid.
"I thought the voices were very strong; I especially loved Mrs. Lovett," said Caitlyn Herzlinger, a graduate student studying acting. "Her personality was something you could really laugh with, not at."
The actor portraying the demon barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd, was also very charismatic. Merritt David Janes, playing Todd, took a few songs to warm up to the audience, but the intensity of his performance hit a high note during the song "Epiphany." His roars of anguish and pain resonated well with the mood of the play, shaking the walls of Western Hall with a passion that was absolutely spectacular.
The only real lacking area of the show, for those who didn't mind the absence of setting, was the role of Judge Turpin. The character came off as weak and too soft spoken for one described as a "tyrant." The actor's age also could have worked against him, appearing too youthful for one who is supposed to be a well-renown figure.
Otherwise, BCA and COFAC presented a very entertaining production, one that certainly cast a dark, humorous mood and enthralled those willing to give themselves over to powerful vocals and live music.
The musical, recently made popular by Tim Burton's cinematic adaptation starring Johnny Depp, encompassed a rather unique style of direction on stage. Very few props were used in the show, and the set design was just enough to fill the background, leaving the audience's attention on the cast.
"They're more performing than actually telling a story," said Jonathan Self, a graduate student studying acting.
The unique style, while it may have been somewhat off-putting to fans of the film, was an interesting choice, relying on the opera-like vocals of the musical rather than any stage action or catchy visuals to mesmerize and hypnotize attendees.
"I thought it was very good, especially considering the fact that the actors are acting, singing and playing instruments," said James Willis, senior graphic communication major.
When not performing directly in the spotlight, all the cast members sat along the sides or in the background of the stage providing music for the vocals. The live orchestra undoubtedly heightened the performance, adding another level of hypnotization to already well-practiced performers.
Out of all the actors on stage, the one cast member who stood out as the most powerful was Carrie Cimma, portraying Mrs. Lovett, one of the leads. Her depiction of the witty character evoked a dark, sadistic charm with the audience, cracking twisted jokes one could not help but chuckle to, even if they were a bit morbid.
"I thought the voices were very strong; I especially loved Mrs. Lovett," said Caitlyn Herzlinger, a graduate student studying acting. "Her personality was something you could really laugh with, not at."
The actor portraying the demon barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd, was also very charismatic. Merritt David Janes, playing Todd, took a few songs to warm up to the audience, but the intensity of his performance hit a high note during the song "Epiphany." His roars of anguish and pain resonated well with the mood of the play, shaking the walls of Western Hall with a passion that was absolutely spectacular.
The only real lacking area of the show, for those who didn't mind the absence of setting, was the role of Judge Turpin. The character came off as weak and too soft spoken for one described as a "tyrant." The actor's age also could have worked against him, appearing too youthful for one who is supposed to be a well-renown figure.
Otherwise, BCA and COFAC presented a very entertaining production, one that certainly cast a dark, humorous mood and enthralled those willing to give themselves over to powerful vocals and live music.
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