Cottey Theatre and Dance to Present Sweeney Todd

Nevada, Mo. – The Cottey College Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present Stephen Sondheim’s dark masterpiece, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, this November. London’s most infamous barber is sharpening his blades and preparing for a night of unforgettable theatre as Sweeney Todd comes to the Wild Center for the Arts from November 8 to November 10. This spine-chilling musical about revenge, obsession, and a few too many meat pies will leave you spellbound. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the dark heart of Victorian London, where the razors are sharp and the secrets even sharper.

A Haunting Experience Like No Other

With a chilling score by Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street tells the macabre tale of a wronged man, Sweeney Todd, who returns to London with a bloodthirsty mission. Joined by the pie shop proprietress, Mrs. Lovett, their twisted partnership promises a theatrical experience as darkly comic as it is unsettling. This production, directed by Professor Laura Chaney and featuring the visionary designs of Klair Soukup, B’lynn Evans, E. Blaha, and Kordelia (Kordy) Taylor, immerses audiences in the seedy underbelly of Victorian London, where every slice comes with a side of revenge. The stage management team is led by Kaylan Davis and E. Blaha, with assistance from Momina Arshad, Shea Middleton, and Gracie Wilborn.

The haunting atmosphere is elevated by a talented cast, led by Klair Soukup as the vengeful barber and Jaynee Depue as his entrepreneurial accomplice. Together, they take audiences on a suspenseful journey filled with love, loss, and plenty of close shaves. They are joined by the youthful ingénues Johanna and Anthony, played by Gabriella Cruz and Hannah Vowell, respectively; the sinister pairing of Judge Turpin, portrayed by Carlie Jones, and his Beadle, Kordelia (Kordy) Taylor; the loyal Tobias, played by Daisy Flint; the flamboyant Pirelli, portrayed by Charlie Bevington; the lost Beggar Woman, played by Abby Kohout; and his revenant wife, Julie Ramirez. The ensemble includes Lindsay Abegg, Lexi Batty, Noel Fawcett, Abby Geering, Pamela Howard, Anna Jacobsen, Christina King, Lyric McBride, Shea Middleton, Yam Smith, and Kanick Surles.

Show Dates & Ticket Information

Performances will run on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, November 10, at 2:30 p.m., at Cottey College’s Wild Center for the Arts. Tickets are available now by calling the Office of Campus Activities at 417-667-8181, ext. 2086.

This production of Sweeney Todd is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. For more information about licensing, visit www.mtishows.com.

Don’t miss your chance to witness this wickedly entertaining musical that will make you laugh, gasp, and perhaps question what’s really in that pie…

For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:

Professor Laura Chaney
Professor of Theatre
Cottey College
lchaney@cottey.edu
(417) 667-8181 ext. 2265

About Theatre at Cottey

The theatre program at Cottey College aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theatre. Students may choose from two concentrations: a general focus in theatre or theatre as an agent for social change.

The general focus in theatre concentration offers the foundation needed to pursue careers in acting, design, stage management, directing, the entertainment industry, and graduate study. Students gain knowledge of theatre history and dramatic literature, along with practical experience in production and performance.

The theatre as an agent for social change concentration allows students to explore the history, potential, and skills necessary for the art of theatre to incite social change. It incorporates the unique aspects of a Cottey College education, specifically emphasizing women’s leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness. Students develop the skills needed for leadership in this dynamic application of theatre.