The weekend is here and there is still plenty of time to catch the wickedly delightful ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ at the Woodlawn Theatre.  Starring Roy Bumgarner as Sweeney Todd and Sara Brookes as Mrs Lovett this dark musical tells the story of a man named Benjamin Barker who returns to London after having served time for a crime he did not commit.  He swore vengeance against the corrupt Judge Turpin, played by the talented Joshua Goldberg, who sent him to prison to move in on his family.  He now goes by the name of Sweeney Todd and he befriends Mrs Lovett, a local pie maker and together they devise a plan that will benefit both of them.  He will get his vengeance and she will profit from it.

‘Sweeney Todd’ is just the musical to experience as Halloween grows closer.  The settings are dark and mysterious and the chorus’ performances are hauntingly perfect as they pop in and out of the scenes.  Standout performances include “The Worst Pies in London” by Mrs Lovett, “A Little Priest” by Mrs Lovett and Todd and “Not While I’m Around” by Tobias and Mrs Lovett.  Mary Morrow provides some unexpected comic relief as the Beggar Woman while Adam Zuniga’s portrayal of Adolfo Pirelli is so much fun to watch.  As Sweeney Todd Roy Bumgarner does an excellent job of capturing his descent into madness and the pivotal scenes that depict this are brilliantly lighted in red. Judge Turpin’s ‘Johanna (Mea Culpa)’ is a surprisingly emotional song and one of Joshua Goldberg’s best performances.

Overall ‘Sweeney Todd’ may not be for everyone but it is a must see for those who enjoy black humor.  The musical numbers are catchy and the vocal performances are some of the best that the Woodlawn Theatre has showcased so far.  The lobby decorations set the mood for the show and at last Saturday’s show they had a voter registration booth and small pies at the concession stand.  ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ runs through Sunday November 6 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.  Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388.