Some stories are read once and then forgotten. Then there are others, like that of Sweeney Todd, which started as a serialised piece of fiction more than 175 years ago and still lives on today in the form of plays, a film, and a musical by the late, legendary Stephen Sondheim.

It is no coincidence that Teatru Manoel chose Sondheim's musical as its first in-house musical production. "I couldn't imagine Sweeney Todd being staged anywhere else in Malta. The intimacy and mystery that Teatru Manoel offers are unmatched," says music director Ryan Paul Abela. "The tone of this musical requires a certain intimacy with the audience, and that is why our national theatre is perfect for it."

The tone that Abela refers to is a dark one, through which the audience gets to hear the story of an unfortunate barber who is unjustly sent into exile by an evil judge, and who returns to London a bloodthirsty man seeking revenge. The story is set in the dark underbelly of a city teeming with criminals and beggars. "The Victorian era is a period that fascinates me," shares director Lucienne Camilleri. "My vision was to give the set a traditional feel while incorporating a contemporary touch to the staging. In this way we could marry classical grandeur to the simpler modern take of musical theatre."

Creating the right atmosphere for Sweeney Todd requires many hands and minds. "The cast is so passionate and professional that it has been a joy to work with them, as well as with our costume designer and our set designer, to mention but a few," says Camilleri. "There have been challenges, of course. After all, what is theatre without challenge, and who excels more than Sondheim at creating it?"

 

Stephen Sondheim's music is, in fact, notoriously difficult to perform, a fact which has caused many headaches for both Camilleri and Abela. "It certainly is challenging, but I am lucky to have such a talented cast who have made my job easier," confides Abela. "If you have never experienced Sondheim, Sweeney Todd is the finest introduction to this great man. Perhaps it is his most perfect score, and when you enter Sondheim's world, you will never want to leave."

Camilleri agrees, adding that Sondheim creates spectacle out of everything. "The challenge lies in ensuring his message comes across," explains Camilleri. "In fact, I managed to steer clear of him for a number of years simply because I feared I wasn't competent enough to do him justice. But I feel that this is the right time for me."

Both Camilleri and Abela feel they struck gold with the casting for this musical, led by Roger Tirazona as the eponymous Sweeney Todd. "They are a dream," says Camilleri of the actors. "They are energetic, unquestioning, and they have helped me make sense of the chaotic ensemble of scenes that had been churning inside my head."

The casting itself was not easy, and not for want of good candidates for the roles. "In Malta we have such an abundance of talent that it can make the selection process a nightmare," admits Abela. "Sometimes, it comes down to a gut feeling about someone auditioning and seeing the potential of the character within them. Our ensemble is a mix of seasoned veterans and some new faces, and that's always a joy to me as music director. To have new talents nurtured by the more experienced ones is something special."

Apart from offering a thrilling night out in the comfort of a newly climate-controlled Teatru Manoel, Sweeney Todd is the kind of musical that isn't produced often. "I would say that this musical is by far the most complex one that will ever happen at the theatre," concludes Abela. "This is going to be the show of a lifetime!"

 

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will be showing at Teatru Manoel between 17 and 24 July. Tickets can be purchased at booking.teatrumanoel.com.mt. For further information, visit teatrumanoel.mt.