A reflection of light from a polished razor, a smooth move by the virtuoso of barbering, a click of a chair just may be the last things you'll see and hear.

The Actor's Repertory Theater Ensemble presents "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" through Oct. 31 at the Castle Amphitheater, located at 1300 E. Center Street in Provo. Tickets are $10 and $7 for students.

The story begins when Sweeney Todd comes back to England after spending 15 years in Australia. He comes back to avenge those he loved, his wife and daughter, who he lost after he was wrongly confused and banished.

Neal Johnson, a BYU graduate, plays the role of Sweeney Todd and sees a deeper meaning and moral in his character and the story.

"[Sweeney] is not necessary a man who is out to kill people, which people assume from the title of the show, 'The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,'" Johnson said. "He just seems to get caught up with an idea of revenge. And I believe that all of it culminates up until the end where he actually kills someone he loved. The story line fulfilled itself and the idea that the spirit can get killed in a human being by the obsession of their negative trait."

Johnson said the outdoors venue, dark costumes and setting adds to the overall experience.

"It is a classic thriller and I think it is very appropriate for the time and season," he said.

Mindy Nelsen directed the upcoming production. She said this musical is intricate, detailed, vibrant and alive.

She said the musical features wonderful music composed by Stephen Sondheim, winner of an Academy Award, Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize, among other awards.

"I want them [the audience] to experience Sondheim," she said. "I want them to be able to experience what his music can do especially in a concert version when it is all about the music."

For tickets and more information go to www.castletheater.org.



Copyright Brigham Young University 27 Oct 2008