Attend the Dark, Witty Tale of Avon Players’ ‘Sweeney Todd’

Desperate deeds lead to dramatic ends in this iconic Stephen Sondheim musical

Avon Players’ season begins with love, murder, and revenge set against the backdrop of 19th-century London in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street running September 6-21.

In this haunting tale, Sweeney Todd (Mario Simone), an unjustly exiled barber, returns to Victorian London seeking vengeance against Judge Turpin (Steve Grady), a corrupt official who framed him. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett (Joy Oetjens), a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop with a room above her business where Todd quickly sets up shop. Through Lovett, Todd learns that his daughter, Johanna (Maia Fetter), is now the ward of Turpin, who keeps her locked away from the world. Todd sees that Anthony (Nicholas Kwiecinski), a young sailor who is smitten with Johanna, may be helpful in freeing her. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lovett’s sales enjoy a sharp and sudden uptick when Todd’s increasingly bloody acts provide a new ingredient for her meat pies. Soon customers are lining up unaware of the carnage occurring upstairs. As Todd becomes more desperate and violent in his quest, his deeds begin to arouse the suspicion of Tobias (Jack Stoll), a young man taken in by Lovett.

Sweeney Todd was a hit musical when it debuted in 1979, earning eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Performance by a Leading Actress for Angela Lansbury, who originated the role of Mrs. Lovett. Featuring a powerful and operatic score by musical theatre legend Stephen Sondheim (Company, Into the Woods), the musical has been revived many times and performed around the world.  The most recent Broadway revival, which opened in 2023, starred Grammy- and Emmy-winner Josh Groban in the title role opposite Annaleigh Ashford (Legally Blonde, Wicked) as Mrs. Lovett. When Ashford left the production, the role of Mrs. Lovett was played by Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Shrek the Musical), who grew up in Troy, Michigan. In addition to its many stage productions, Sweeney Todd was adapted into a 2007 film version directed by Tim Burton in his signature gothic style starring Burton regulars Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Depp was nominated for an Academy Award and earned a Golden Globe for his performance. 

Director John Deierlein was drawn to Sweeney Todd in large part because for its stirring music. “It’s a classic musical with a masterpiece score, which makes it a wonderful showcase for our talented singers,” he said. Deierlein, who directed the much lighter The Fully Monty at Avon last season, also believes that audience members will be drawn in by Sweeney Todd’s suspenseful thriller nature. “This is a musical with a dark edge that will definitely appeal to anyone who enjoys the macabre.”

Tickets for all shows are $32. Call 248-608-9077 for tickets or order online at www.AvonPlayers.org.  Discounts on matinee tickets are available for seniors and students; call the box office for details.  Additionally, group rates are available by calling the box office. “Like” Avon Players Theatre on Facebook for special offers on tickets. All major credit cards are accepted. All seats are reserved.  Show dates and times follow:

• Friday, September 6 at 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, September 7 at 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, September 8 at 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, September 14 at 8:00 p.m
• Sunday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, September 20 at 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m.

Avon Players is celebrating its 78th season of bringing quality entertainment to its community. Founded in 1947, Avon Players is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit community theatre located along the winding banks of Stoney Creek in the quaint Historic District of Rochester Hills, only about two miles from the heart of downtown Rochester. Avon Players has been performing shows in its unique A-frame theater since 1965. With ticket prices set at a fraction of those at professional theaters (plus free parking), a family of four can experience a sensational live theatrical event for about the cost of one ticket at a “downtown” venue. And for regular theatregoers, an affordable outing can be an even better bargain by taking advantage of Avon Players’ season ticket packages, which yield discounts of up to 20% per ticket. Additionally, season ticket holders enjoy priority seating selection and voting privileges in Avon’s annual “Stoney Awards.” Additional information regarding tickets and productions is available by calling the Avon Players box office at 248-608-9077 or by visiting www.AvonPlayers.org.

Cast and Production Staff by Community:

Auburn Hills

• RJ Miller-Zelinko (“The Beadle”)
• Jeffrey Monterosso (Ensemble)

Detroit

• Ron Pietrantoni (Music Director)

Ferndale

• Mariah Lieckfelt (Ensemble)

Macomb Township

• Sharon Jourdan (Properties Design)

Madison Heights

• Nicholas Kwiecinski (“Anthony Hope”)

Ortonville

• Joy Oetjens (“Mrs. Lovett”)

Rochester

• Katelyn Brackney (Ensemble)
• Maia Fetter (“Johanna”)
• Lana Hastings (Makeup Design)
• Nick Kibler (Sound Design)
• Olivia Langsdorf (Ensemble)
• Lisa Miller (Wig/Hair Design)
• Mario Simone (“Sweeney Todd”)
• Logan Synnestvedt (Ensemble)

Rochester Hills

• John (JD) Deierlein (Director, Vocal Director, Lighting Design, Costume Design)
• Patrick Jordan (Producer)
• Jack Stoll (“Tobias Ragg”)

Royal Oak

• Ryan Moore (Associate Director)

Shelby Township

• Steve Grady (“Judge Turpin”)
• Kevin Miller (Set Design)
• Tracy Murray (“Beggar Woman”)
• Pamela Plewa (“Shelby Township”)

Troy

• Maritoni Harte (Choreographer)

Washington

• Matt Cason (Ensemble)
• Lori Smith (Ensemble)

Waterford

• Andy Livernois (Ensemble)
• Tagg Smith (Ensemble)
• Adam Wager (“Adolfo Pirelli”)

Wixom

• Leah Frazier (Ensemble)