Noelle Arias / Roundup
The Pierce College Theatre Arts Department never fails to put on a spectacular show and this summer’s upcoming musical, Stephan Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is expected to be no different.
The show will take place on the Performing Arts Building Main Stage from July 30 through August 8. Saturday performances will be at 8 p.m. while Sundays will have two matinee showings, the first beginning at 2 p.m.
Although auditions have not yet taken place, Director Gene Putnam is eager to get the ball rolling on the production once a cast and crew has been assembled.
“I’m excited and looking forward to working with wonderful and talented students,” said Putnam.
Auditions for the musical will take place today on the Performing Arts Building Main Stage at 6 p.m. and will be open for all students and members of the community.
In order to be a part of the show, students must enroll in the summer session class and according to Putnam, enrollment is by audition only.
Along with Denice Gibson, the show’s choreographer, and Vocal Director Cynthia Shults, Putnam will be looking for actors with exceptional voices and who will be dedicated to mostly evening rehearsals five days out of the week. They will be looking to fill nine lead roles and an ensemble of 16 to 18 people.
“This show has the best music [Stephen Sondheim] ever wrote, but it is very difficult music,” said Putnam.
He said that the Pierce College production of Sweeny Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street should not be compared to the motion picture released in 2007 starring Johnny Depp.
“They left out the ensemble which is a very important part of the whole story,” said Putnam.
The ensemble is a Greek Chorus whose singing comments on the action and member of the ensemble also play multiple characters in the show.
Not only does the entire production require an excellent cast, but also a dedicated and hard working crew.
The crew will consist of 12 to 15 people to do all the behind the scenes work such as lighting, set construction, costume and make up among other things.
For all those interested in auditioning for a role or being part of the crew, there will be information posted on the call board in the Performing Arts Building on campus one week prior to auditions.
Putnam also explained that the show is more of a melo-drama rather than a horror musical.
“It’s a story about love and revenge, but the show also has a lot of humor,” he said.
The summer musical will include live music performed by the San Fernando Valley Symphony under the baton of James Domine, as well as, intricate sets and all the makings of a fantastic show.
Putnam warns that, like the movie, there will be violence, although not as gory and gruesome, but still suggests that the show would not necessarily be appropriate for children under the age of 12.
Tickets will be sold at $20 for students and seniors and $25 for general admission.
There will be reminders for show dates and times on the Pierce College electronic marquee located on the corner of Victory Boulevard and Winnetka Avenue throughout the summer.
“Everyone can expect a great show, as always,” guaranteed Putnam.
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(Natalie Yemendijan / Special to the Roundup)