A Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder and revenge in 19th-century London, “Sweeney Todd,” school edition, is Not Just Dance’s upcoming show. Performed by the advanced musical-theater students of this Chantilly-based, theatrical-arts educational studio, it promises to wow the audience.

“People will be surprised at the caliber of the actors’ talents, because this is basically a college-level production,” said Producer Dawne LeKang. “And they’ll really get wrapped up in the story.”

Show dates are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Feb. 15, 16 and 17, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. Ticket information is at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35534/production/1180554. 

Performances are at the studio at 14225 Sullyfield Circle, Suite D, in Chantilly. Because of its violent themes, the show isn’t recommended for ages under 13.

From left are Will Sanfilippo, Kaitlyn McCarley, Laila Tomhave and Alejandro Cahoon.  

 

Todd is an unjustly exiled barber who returns to London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. When he meets Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful owner of a failing pie shop, he opens a new barbershop above her store and both their fortunes improve – but for a deadly reason.

The cast and crew of 25 have been rehearsing since September. And the scenes take place on the street, in the pie shop and in the barbershop.

“It’s a very difficult show to perform because of Stephen Sondheim’s score, and our talented, young performers have really risen to the task,” said Director Jen Farmer. “Most of the costumes are black and white to show the drabness and dirtiness of the city and people’s poverty and desperation.” 

“Yet everything about this show is visually appealing, amazing and believable – the actors, the sounds and the sights,” she continued. “Our tech classes have done a phenomenal job on all of this play’s special effects – from the set design and color palette to the construction of Sweeney’s barber chair. Every one of the audiences’ senses will be awakened.”

Chantilly High senior Will Sanfilippo portrays Todd. “He owned a business with his wife and child in London until he was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, and a corrupt judge sent him to prison in Australia,” explained Sanfilippo. “Now, he’s a grief-stricken, vengeful father determined to make the judge pay for what he did. Sweeney’s grim and methodical, but also has many outbursts because of all the pent-up emotion inside him.”

Loving his role, Sanfilippo said it’s his favorite one he’s ever played. “Sweeney’s an in-depth character; it takes lots of work to portray all those emotions at the same time without over-acting,” he said. “I have to put myself in his shoes to fully understand how he’d react to certain things. And it’s a great experience playing the lead because the entire show revolves around him, and all his thoughts are revealed – not just by me – but by the whole cast.”

Sanfilippo’s favorite number that he sings is “My Friends” because “It’s almost the catalyst for him to start his revenge and form his plan to kill the judge. The whole show is gothic and thrilling. Once people start it, they’ll need to know what happens next. It enthralls you and is never boring. There’s always something exciting happening onstage.” 

Playing Mrs. Lovett is Oakton High junior Kaitlyn McCarley, who describes her character as “quirky and a little crazy. But she also has a loving, compassionate side, and she loves Sweeney. She’s spontaneous, positive and an optimist who looks on the bright side and reminds Sweeney to have patience and things will work out for him.”

“I love playing her because of the two parts of her personality, so I try to make each of them stand out,” continued McCarley. “And she has so many fun and exciting songs with challenging melodies and harmonies.” McCarley especially likes singing “God, that’s Good” because “It’s a big, energetic number where everyone’s bustling and running around her bakery while she sings this fast-paced song.” 

She said audiences will enjoy the show’s “great ensemble moments where they get to see everybody shine. We’ve got a really cool set – especially Sweeney’s barber chair. And although the story’s pretty dark, it also has comedy to give it some relief.”

Fairfax High senior Alejandro Cahoon portrays Anthony, who loves a young woman named Johanna and is Todd’s friend. “He’s happy, bubbly and down-to-earth and appreciates the smaller things in life,” said Cahoon. “And once he sets his mind on a goal, he’ll stop at nothing to get it.”

He said mainly focusing on playing a romantic character is a different experience for him, so it’s a bit challenging. But, said Cahoon, “I enjoy showing Anthony’s determination to be with Johanna, and I like singing his songs. My favorite is ‘Johanna’ because it’s dynamic and has a very pretty melody.”

As for the audience, he said people will enjoy the “almost simplicity of the story and minimalistic set because, at the same time, both are intriguing. And all the songs are different from each other and lovely to listen to.”

Laila Tomhave, a Herndon High sophomore, plays Johanna, 16. “She was the ward of Judge Turpin, who sent Sweeney to prison far away,” said Tomhave. “She’s innocent and naïve but is able to protect herself when she has to. Her life is kind of a metaphor for a caged bird wanting to be free. Her parents aren’t in the picture, but she’s unhappy living with the judge and being trapped with him in his house.”

Tomhave likes “the intricacies of playing Johanna’s innocence, while knowing darkness is within her. And her musical part is a lyrical soprano, unlike most of the other, more belting-type singing parts.” 

She especially enjoys singing the number, “Kiss Me, Part II,” because of the challenge of four different characters singing and overlapping their portions of the song at the same time. And her favorite song overall is “A Little Priest” because it’s “a dark-humored play on words that’s very comedic.”

Even with the main story focusing on the lead characters, said Tomhave, “The ensemble – which sings 13 songs – really is the core of the show. And considering this play’s level of difficulty, for the audience to see it being done by teenagers will be impressive.”