Holy Cross' Alternate College Theater Presents the Thrilling Musical 'Sweeney Todd'

The College of the Holy Cross Alternate College Theater (ACT) presents “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” directed by Molly Oliver ’12, at the Fenwick Theater (second floor of O’Kane Hall) from Feb. 9 – 11 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 11 - 12 at 2 p.m. “Sweeney Todd” is a widely known 1979 musical thriller based on the 1973 play by Christopher Bond. Tickets are $10 for members of the Holy Cross community and $15 for the general public. Tickets can be reserved by calling the ACT box office at (508) 793-3536 or in the Hogan Lobby this week Feb. 7-10 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The musical follows the life of Benjamin Barker, a.k.a. Sweeney Todd, as he returns to London after 15 years of deportation, due to false charges. After his landlady Mrs. Lovett informs him that his wife poisoned herself after being assaulted by the judge who wrongly sentenced him, Sweeney Todd wishes nothing—but to seek revenge.

“I've always loved the story.  The music is absolutely beautiful and incredibly difficult and the characters are big, charismatic and alluring,” shares Oliver. “It tells the story of many characters—both good and evil with everything in between—who are affected by a corrupt, changing society.”

ACT is a student-run organization at Holy Cross. In each production, students manage every aspect from directing and acting to lighting and set design. Patrick Chiarolanzio ’13 is cast as Sweeney Todd and Kate Sheridan ’12 will play Mrs. Lovett. Other cast members include Matt Helfer ’12, Jessica Pilloni ’12, Christian Krenek ’12, Conor Sullivan ’14, Patrick Simas ’14, David Martinez ’12, Danielle Santos ’14, and Solon Kelleher ’15. The production crew includes Hallie Bianco ’12, set designer; Will FitzMaurice ’14, lighting designer; Annie Le ’13, costume designer; Susmita Mukherjee ’14, stage manager; Caitlin Crowley ’12, producer; Zachary Maybury ’12, music director; and Kercofa Francois ’12, vocal director.