This was my first time going to KordaZone Theatre and I must admit I had my reservations when I approached the older, somewhat sketchy-looking building that almost resembled a church; however, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the intimate theatre and impressive stage assembly the moment I walked in the doors. I had the pleasure of seeing Cardinal Music Productions' “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” on Sunday November 13th.
Korda Artistic Productions' staging at the 115-seat theatre creates a magical performing arts space, evoking an older 19th-century vibe with a small set featuring two large staircases on each side. There are two curtained doors on each side of the set. There is only a table and two chairs in the middle of the stage.
The infamous tale of Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled demon barber, who returns to nineteenth-century London, begins seeking revenge against the lascivious judge who framed him and ravaged his young daughter and avenge the loss of his wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful owner of a failing pie shop. Todd partners with her, opening a new barber shop above her business. Mrs. Lovett’s bad luck swiftly changes when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires a new ingredient for her meat pies, leading the people of London to line up for a taste. The massacre has only begun.
This production was one of the best live plays I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Producer, Joseph Anthony Cardinal, and Director, Bayleigh Cardinal, put on a must-see performance and I will be attending future productions. The production starts with lights off, but the audience sees a table with a man lying beneath a sheet. The rest of the cast ensemble was spread across the entire stage in complete darkness.
Christopher Lawrence Menard was perfectly cast as our main protagonist and titular character, Sweeney Todd. He was perfectly complemented by the deuteragonist, Mrs. Lovett, portrayed by Tracey B. Atin. Menard gave an emotional and impassioned portrayal of this infamous character and gave off the perfect balance of evil, yet you want to root for him and see him get his revenge. His voice is so beautiful, and it made for such a powerful performance. Atin was the perfect counterpart, and her charming accent made it impossible not to love her character, even amidst her cannibalistic endeavors. Brandon Presley and Breannah Presley, a match made in heaven, provided the intimate and soft touch the play needed, adding an extra layer to the story.
The set and props were well-made and essential to the storytelling of this musical. The blocking was perfectly suited for the stage space and the lighting of the musical masterpiece was so effective and perfectly timed. It was complementary to the story's implications, truly adding another level of drama. A quirky directorial decision was to turn the lights red whenever a character met their maker at Sweeney Todd's hands. The sound was near-flawless, and the music made a very impactful emotional addition to the performance. The costuming was beautiful, effectively portraying the 19th-century setting, and the makeup was simple but effective.
I would absolutely recommend seeing this play and any future Cardinal productions. It was fantastic overall and consistently entertaining. The entire cast was so talented, and the costuming was perfection. There were times where I had chills, I laughed, and I was thoroughly entertained.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street continues this weekend (Nov. 18-20) and ends the following weekend (Nov. 25-27). Tickets are available at Cardinal Music (2569-B Jefferson, Windsor), by phone at 519-944-5800 or at the door if the show isn't sold out.
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