Near West Theatre Teens Presents Sweeney Todd School Edition: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Cleveland, OH - A talented ensemble of 43 teenagers will transport audiences to the harsh streets of 19th-century London in Near West Theatre’s (NWT) stirring stage production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd School Edition: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The musical thriller chronicles the tale of Sweeney Todd, an embittered barber seeking revenge against the corrupt Judge Turpin who unlawfully sentenced him to prison, separating him from him wife and child. Consumed with anger after learning of his wife’s demise during his incarceration, Todd unleashes his anger on his unsuspecting customers by murdering them while his irreverent land-lady and pie-shop owner, Mrs. Lovett, uses the human carnage as the main ingredient for her delicious meat pies! Focusing on themes of vengeance, love, and truth, this darkly humorous musical opens on the third floor of St. Patrick’s Club Building at the corner of West 38th Street and Bridge Avenue in Ohio City.

Near West Theatre is thrilled to be one of the first theatres in the area to produce the newly adapted school edition of this highly acclaimed musical. With a remarkable design team that includes Laura Carlson (Set), Harold Crawford (Costumes), and Michael Stein (Lighting) , the NWT stage has been transformed into a labyrinth of machines, cages, tunnels and traps, illustrating the growing dehumanization of London in 1846 and the themes of the show. Artistic and musical director, Robert Navis, Jr. comments on his vision of the show.

“The set is a character in and of itself, always moving, transforming and revealing new and hidden things,” explains Navis. “The audience is thrust right in the midst of a factory of human oppression.”

Although the dynamic set is impressive, the 43-member cast is the true jewel of NWT’s production.

“I am amazed by the level of intelligence that these talented young actors have brought to this complex piece of theatre,” say Navis. “Their dedication to this darkly emotional story is unlike anything I have ever seen. This is a Sweeney Todd unlike no other thanks to the truth and integrity of this cast.”

Performances are Fri.-Sat. July 17-18, Thurs.-Sat., July 23-25, and Fri.-Sun., July 31-Aug 2. Curtain times on Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays are at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm. All offerings are at St. Patrick’s Club Building, located at W.38th and Bridge Avenue* in Ohio City and include free parking.

*While accessibility is an important part of Near West Theatre’s Mission, our current location at W. 38th & Bridge is on the third floor and is unable to accommodate an elevator or chair lift to make it accessible to individuals in wheelchairs or those who have difficulty with stairs. We are focused on providing an accessible space with the opening of our new theatre in the Gordon Square Arts District.

NWT proudly recognizes the 2008-2009 Season sponsorship of Today’s Soft Rock, WDOK 102.1 F.M. The Ohio Arts Council has helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. NWT is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and is a member of Greater Cleveland Community Shares. Community Shares supports local nonprofit organizations working for long-term, sustainable, solutions to build a stronger Cleveland. Learn more about Community Shares and supporting social justice through workplace giving at www.communityshares.org.

Performances Date and Time: Fri.-Sat. July 17-18, Thurs.-Sat., July 23-25, and Fri.-Sun., July 31-Aug 2.

Curtain times on Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays are at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm.

Location: St. Patrick’s Club Building, W.38th and Bridge Avenue* in Ohio City and include free parking.

Season Packages are now available for as low as $30 and individual tickets are only $6. Packages and tickets are available by calling (216) 961-6391 or by ordering online at www.nearwesttheatre.org.

Affordable Tickets Prices to Encourage Theatre for All

Near West Theatre continues to offer affordable, high-quality theatre in the community by pricing our tickets at $6. In these difficult economic times, NWT is committed to providing affordable ticket prices in order to attract a wide range of audience members to experience a NWT performance. In addition, Star Seat Packages are also available for purchase. Priced individually at $20/ticket, Star Seat tickets help bridge the gap between the true cost of an audience member’s experience and the affordable rate we offer our guests. By purchasing a Star Seat Package, you help enable NWT to continue to offer affordable, high-quality theatre on the Near West Side. Star Seat Packages are available online at www.nearwesttheatre.org.