CCM Theater Presents Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Published on November 06, 2018

Sondheim's Dark Musical Will Thrill Audiences Nov. 7-10

The County College of Morris production of Stephen Sondheim's dark musical Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, will thrill audiences from Nov. 7 to 10, at the Dragonetti Auditorium, Student Community Center.

Set in the underbelly of London during the Victorian era, Sweeney Todd is directed by Professor Marielaine Mammon, chairperson of the Department of Music, Dance and Performing Arts, and choreographed by Colleen McArdle. Musical direction is provided by Matthew Swiss.

Rehearsing for CCM's Sweeney Todd are Corrie Down of West Milford as Mrs. Lovett and Matthew Delavan of Madison in the title role. Photo by Colleen McArdle

The dreadful tale of barber Benjamin Barker, aka Sweeney Todd, assisted by pie shop owner Mrs. Lovett, who has the best pies in London depicts Barker's revenge on Judge Turpin, who wrongly sentenced Barker to life in prison. Their grotesque plan results in deadly consequences.

Matthew Delavan of Madison plays Benjamin Barker, aka Sweeney Todd. Corrie Down of West Milford plays pie shop owner Mrs. Lovett. Mark Carovale of Wharton plays Judge Turpin.

During intermission, patrons have the opportunity to purchase meat pies created by students in the Hospitality and Culinary Arts department headed by Professor Mark Cosgrove. Although the ingredients will not be the same as Mrs. Lovett's pies, CCM does have delicious meat, chicken and vegetarian pies, said Cosgrove.

The Music, Dance and Performing Arts department is delighted to collaborate with the Culinary department. It is a perfect way to serve the audience a tongue-in-cheek reference to the show and a perfect season to perform Sweeney Todd, said Mammon.

The caliber of students at CCM is first rate. Our students took a difficult Sondheim score to deliver phenomenal performances that depict the struggles of the 'have nots' with the 'haves' during the height of the industrial revolution. Audiences will be wowed by the talent on stage.

Rounding out the cast, who all have fateful tales to tell, are Anna Hill of Dover as Joanna, Thomas Nevill of Randolph as Anthony Hope, Vincent C. Means, Jr., of Netcong as Beadle, Noelle Cappuzzo of Roxbury as Beggar Woman, John Deluca of Netcong as Adolfo Pirelli, Joshua Laudor of Flanders as Tobias Ragg ) and Daniel Gardner of Parsippany as Jonas Fogg.

CCM's Sweeney Todd runs from Wednesday through Saturday, November 7-10, at 7:30 p.m., along with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for CCM students, alumni, children under 12 and seniors 62 and over. To purchase tickets, visit www.ccm.edu/event/sweeney-todd-3/2018-11-07/

CCM is located at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ. Patrons are asked to park in Lot 6.