Opera Theatre travels to Fleet Street to present "Sweeney Todd"

A common question during one's childhood is, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Many youngsters answer with occupations like firefighter, police officer, Hollywood actress, singer, veterinarian or professional athlete. But, for Max Elkiss, one of his answers to that question was the "Demon Barber."

Elkiss' childhood dream becomes a reality February 3-12 when he portrays the character of Sweeney Todd during various productions of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," presented by GVSU Opera Theatre.

The musical depicts Benjamin Barker, also known as Sweeney Todd, as a man unjustly imprisoned for years by a corrupt judge. He returns to London to establish a barber shop as the basis for a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant Mrs. Lovett. Todd's plot for revenge quickly turns darkly hilarious and indiscriminately dangerous.

Elkiss, a junior majoring in vocal performance, said one of the biggest challenges of adopting the role was grasping the idea that while Sweeney Todd is a dark individual with murderous tendencies, he is not what some would label as a "psychopath."

"There is a lot of humanity in Sweeney that is vital for the audience to understand," said Elkiss. "Sweeney is a decent human being who is reacting to the world around him. It's only after everything is stolen from him that he decides to become the Demon Barber. He is more focused on his desire for revenge rather than a lust for blood."

For Kristina Papas, a senior majoring in vocal performance who plays Mrs. Lovett, the most challenging obstacle to overcome while adopting her character has been staying calm on stage.

"Mrs. Lovett is incredibly complex; she is kooky, intelligent, loud, manipulative, loving, annoying, ugly, pretty, selfish and caring, all in one person," said Papas. "She is the epitome of human nature, but in the production, she is quite literally all over the place. It's hard to remain calm when you are running all over the stage."

Among the many themes present in "Sweeney Todd," Papas explained that there is one theme that might be surprising to audiences — love.

"Despite the dark nature of the story, love drives almost every character to do what they do in the end," she said. "Mrs. Lovett, being one of the most blatant characters about her love for Sweeney, puts her own life on the line for him, even knowing that he has committed murder."

Dale Schriemer, Opera Theatre director, said "Sweeney Todd" will be a treat for audiences because of its hybrid characteristics of both Broadway and opera.

"Sweeney Todd is a masterpiece of music theater," he said. "Sweeney is a gruesome thriller that embraces both comedy and tragedy. You will be scared, as I was when I saw the original on Broadway, and will laugh at some of the quirky hijinks that go on."

Performances of "Sweeney Todd" will take place February 3, 4, 10 and 11, at 7:30 p.m., and February 5 and 12, at 2 p.m., in Louis Armstrong Theatre.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and Grand Valley faculty and staff, and $6 for students, alumni and groups. To purchase tickets, call the Louis Armstrong Theatre Box Office at (616) 331-2300.

"Sweeney Todd" is just one of the productions being performed during Opera Theatre's milestone 20th anniversary season. Since 1997, Opera Theatre has provided students with opportunities to connect with master works, industry professionals and job training resources both in Michigan and out-of-state.