In this visionary and re-imagined production of Sweeney Todd, the legendary demon barber of Fleet Street still serves up his justice vigilante-style, but director John Doyle has created an edgier, stripped-down staging of Sondheim's masterpiece complete with a multitalented cast of actors playing all the instruments onstage. The intimate result delivers wicked pleasure in a chilling evening of theater that "burrows into your thoughts with a poisoned seductiveness" (The New York Times). With its naughty humor and infectious melodies, Sweeney Todd knows how to show you a bloody good time!
"Thrilling! Insidiously seductive, demonically compelling . . . David Hess is mesmerizing in the title role!"
San Francisco Chronicle
"An insanely talented cast . . . a work of pure genius!
Contra Costa Times
"A masterful score by a musical theater composer working at the peak of his craft"
Oakland Tribune
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Koret Prologue with John Doyle*
September 2, 4:30 p.m.
Tony Award–winning director John Doyle, director and designer of Sweeney Todd, chats with A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff. Free admission. General seating. Doors open at 4 p.m.
OUT with A.C.T.
September 5, 8 p.m.
LGBT night at A.C.T. launches its eighth season with a catered afterparty and Sweeney Todd cast meet and greet. Visit www.act-sf.org/out for more information about how to subscribe to OUT nights.
Theater on the Couch*
September 7, 8 p.m.
Join members of the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis for an exciting postperformance discussion that explores the psychological aspects of Sweeney Todd and addresses audience questions.
Koret Audience Exchanges*
September 11, 7 p.m.
September 16, 2 p.m.
September 19, 2 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors and artists of Sweeney Todd.
Special Event: Cast Members of Sweeney Todd Perform at The Plush Room
October 1
Benjamin Magnuson and Lauren Molina perform at San Francisco’s legendary cabaret club, The Plush Room.
*Discussions immediately follow the designated performance and are free for ticket holders. Please note that performance times vary.
Insight into the Play, the Playwright, and the Production
Each entertaining and informative issue of Words on Plays, A.C.T.'s in-depth performance guide series, contains a synopsis, advance program notes, study questions, and additional background information about the historical and cultural context of the play.
Words on Plays is available for purchase in the lobby of the theater during performances or online ($12 each + postage and handling). To subscribe to the full season ($70), call 415.749.2250.
Words on Plays Prepared by
Elizabeth Brodersen, Publications Editor
Michael Paller, Resident Dramaturg
Margot Melcon, Publications & Literary Associate
Ariel Franklin-Hudson, Publications & Literary Intern
Table of Contents
Words on Plays is made possible in part by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Adobe Reader is required to view A.C.T. publications.
Production Photos
View production photos from Sweeney Todd at A.C.T.
Podcasts
Listen to an exclusive interview with Sweeney Todd director John Doyle. John Doyle joins KALW radio host Alan Farley to discuss the creative process and provide insight into the unique performance style presented in this production of Sweeney Todd.
Listen to the podcast. (7 mb)
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