Sweeney Todd is typically considered to be one of the most demanding shows in the canon of musical theater. However, not once during this semester did I feel that this was the case, for each person involved with this production – the cast, the technical staff, the orchestra, the artistic staff, and the production staff – was immensely talented, and I feel honored to have had the privilege to work with them. This show challenged each of us in many enlightening ways, asking of us to raise our level of performance and to heighten the bounds of our imaginations. Sweeney Todd requires a number of unique technical feats that this year’s technical staff has more than surpassed, approaching it with ingenuity and innovation. Its level of music has demanded much of the orchestra, but they have met this challenge with tremendous skill and dedication and have done wondrous things with the score. I would also like to especially acknowledge the Artistic Staff (LPI), for these are some of the most incredible people I have ever had the privilege to know. Their ideas and their dedication developed this production, and I consider myself merely fortunate enough to have been with them along the way. However, perhaps my greatest thanks are due to the twenty-nine individuals you will see on the stage tonight. I cannot think of a more talented group of people. The energy of this cast and their willingness to take their own risks, have been absolutely remarkable. Each rehearsal was a gift, bringing with it something refreshing, bringing with I a new piece of the world that is Sweeney Todd. We have all developed many things together these past few months, but perhaps the most important thing we have developed is our friendship with one another, and for that I am most grateful.

In directing this show, I often had one book in mind – John Milton’s Paradise Lost. I have always thought of Sweeney as being a very Luciferan character, for he is a man who, like Lucifer in Paradise Lost, was once beautiful and accomplished until he was overthrown by a force far more powerful than he. It is only when confronted with utter dejection that Benjamin Barker reinvents himself, assuming the mantle of Sweeney Todd in much the same way that Lucifer assumes that of Satan. Alongside this is the idea of fallenness or rather fallen beauty. Much of the show’s aesthetic (whether in set design, makeup, or costumes) demonstrates a fall from some previous state of “grace,” a state where the wholeness of things was complete and where the wholesomeness of the people was reflected by the wholesomeness of their surroundings. As the people are corrupted, so too are the objects which represent them. In this we can see how things lose their beauty not because of aesthetic corruption but rather because of the corruption they signify, the corruption of men. Sweeney’s obsession has warped his humanity, and as an audience, we must bear witness to this terrible transformation. 

However, comedy is also one of the most important elements of this show. While there are several dark moments, there are also a number of comedic instances stemming from either the absurd or the farcical. One of the achievements of comedy, or laughter, is that it has a way of diluting as well as strengthening the more severe components of any production. In Sweeney Todd, every high point of laughter comes at a moment when human morbidity is wittily turned on its head – at moments where we, as an audience, must challenge ourselves to see the humor within the morose. This has an incredible effect, for laughter is able to strip power away from the things we fear most and place it in the hands of our imagination. 

Therefore, when watching the show tonight, consider the lessons to be learned. We currently live in a world fraught with misfortune, from economic downturn to natural and manmade disasters. We look upon these things and immediately realize their effect on us. They have the power to influence our mood, our actions, and our intentions. However, this power derives not from the things themselves but rather from how we relate to them. Therefore, to persevere, we must not dwell on these misfortunes but rather overcome them. Life equips us with the means to endure and triumph. It is only when we fall short of realizing this that we fail. This is the tragedy of Benjamin Barker, a man utterly enslaved by adversity. Let us learn, let us live, and let us now attend the tale of Sweeney Todd.

-Franklin “Tre” Tennyson, III - Director
--Franklin “Tre” Tennyson

Good evening, and welcome to FYP’s production of Sweeney Todd. Take a few minutes before the lights go down to notice all that is going on around you. Imagine the building you currently sit in, our beloved Students Activity Building, and empty it. No seats, no sets, no pit – nothing. This is where we started just over a week ago. Through the devotion of the members of FYP, we have made what you see before (and behind) you today. And if you think that’s good, just wait until the show starts. The fact that everything you see onstage came together in a few short months is astounding.

I am constantly amazed by this organization. Every semester I see renewed dedication from the members of First Year Players. Every semester we have a new director, fresh wth ideas and ready to give everything they have to bring their vision to life. I see new first year students overflowing with enthusiasm for every part of the organization. I see old members work diligently to give the first yars the wonderful experience that they encountered when they first found their way to our group. For all these reasons, and so many more, I have fallen in love with the ideals and members of FYP.

The people you see tonight, whether they are onstage, behind you at the tech table, or sitting amongst you cheering wildly for a duck, have become my family here at UVa.

They are my rock and a constant source of inspiration. It is safe to say I would not be here today if it were not for FYP. In that same vein, I must thank certain of our members who have been critical in helping me keep my sanity this semester. Jeff, my go-to assistant producer who has been there to pck up all of my slack. Lauren, my business manager for constantly reminding me that she is indeed the one running the group. Little, our stunning tech director, for being himself. Also for adding a huge number of girls to our tech side o things. And finally to James and Brendt, my producer predecessors. I owe so much to you al. Thank you.

Again, we welcome you tonight to our production of Sweeney Todd. Enjoy the show. Oh, and, Love, do remember…Sweeney’s waiting.
-Lisa Harbin
--Lisa Harbin