Sweeney Todd, the Broadway musical, is coming to Olympia through a powerful collaboration of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra (OSO) and Harlequin Productions. The tale of love, murder, and revenge garnered eight Tony awards including Best Musical. The music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim and the book by Hugh Wheeler evoke a gamut of emotions from shock to delight.
The audience will see Alexandra Arrieche conducting the orchestra on stage. “We are really excited about collaborating with Harlequin. I love the idea of having multiple art forms sharing the stage. Usually, the orchestra remains hidden in the pit. Here, we have the orchestra on stage, fully immersed in the action,” says Arrieche, OSO’s music director.
Actors are under the direction of Aaron Lamb, producing artistic director of Harlequin. Joining them on the stage will be voices from the Masterworks Choral Ensemble and organ playing by Jennifer Hermann, OSO executive director.
“When Sweeney Todd premiered in 1979, composer Jonathan Tunick orchestrated it for 26 musicians. Since then, it has almost always been done with a much smaller orchestra. Hearing this music as it was originally intended to be heard, with the full force of an organ, choir, and orchestra supporting it, is an overwhelming, goosebump-inducing experience that everyone who loves Sondheim and musical theatre in general should get the opportunity to experience,” notes Helen Harvester, Harlequin’s director of marketing and communications.
The genesis to join the talents of these two beloved community organizations began over coffee quite some time ago when Arrieche, Lamb, and Hermann sat down together over coffee. “We have never done a collaboration with Harlequin,” notes Hermann. The idea to bring something wonderful and outrageous to the community took hold.
Those familiar with Sweeney Todd will smile to know that two local businesses, Delmonico’s Heritage Butcher Shop and The Olympian Barber Shop, are supporters of the show. It’s sure to be a fun weekend!
The Washington Center offers three showtimes over the October 11-13 weekend. Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, offers sensations to the eyes, ears, and hearts of the entire audience. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this impressive production.
For Additional Information
Washington Center for the Performing Arts
washingtoncenter.org
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS