SWEENEY TODD SHOCK 'N' ROLL SHOW - 2010

TBHS/TGHS Combined Production 2010

Director - Chris Cheesman, Musical Director - Ros Taylor, Choreographer - Kirsty Peffers

GALLERY

ImageAround 12 years ago TBHS performed Sweeney Todd The Shock n Roll Show at the South Canterbury Drama League Playhouse in Timaru under the direction of Carol Angland. This year she has returned to write a review of the 2010 performance of Sweeney Todd. Below are highlights of her review.

Appreciative audiences thoroughly enjoyed the fun and mayhem created by the cast.

Ryan Ammar (right), as Sweeney Todd, showed a full repertoire of skills, his whole body exuding a conniving, maniacal, evil, money obsessed barber.  His partner in crime, Jesse Love (right), as Mrs Wilhemina Lovett, was the perfect foil. A lively Jasmine Thornton captured the wistfulness and spirit of the orphan girl disguised as a boy, Tobias Stoutheart; her plaintive I'm Only Little song with the devious Todd was a highlight of the show. Jayden Segar (right), was very well cast as the irrepressible Angelo, the apprentice pie maker.

From the moment they appeared, the Jolly Jack Tars, Billy (Bryn Nelson) and Tommy, (Benjamin Riley) captured attention with their strong voices, and convincing characterisations. Also at ease on stage were Sam Creed, the likeable, good natured Amazing Alonzo and William Ching, who played a most engaging Foozle.

ImageDean Jackson through both voice and demeanor was the perfect comical constable, and Josh Collier (seated, left) made the difficult cameo role of the aged gin addict, Gilbert, seem totally natural. Aki Seiuli's (below, right) Napoleon Bedlam was commanding and definitely not to be trifled with; it was a touch of genius having the First Fifteen as his very believable asylum inmates.

ImageThe wardrobe team ensured that costumes befitted the characters; they were colourful, imaginative and complemented by effective makeup. The simplicity and inventiveness of Duncan Robertson's and Scott Cheesman's appealing universal backdrops, enabled fluid entrances and exits, and with the aid of subtle lighting effects, created mood.

One of the strengths of a school production is the orchestra. The music for this show was lively and atmospheric and the five musicians were the perfect accompaniment to the suspense, drama and action; never dominating but fully supporting the singers.

The soloists possessed fine voices with clarity of diction notable, and volume controlled by an excellent sound system.

This review would not be complete without mention of the delicious food prepared and professionally served by the student chefs and waiters.

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Congratulations to everyone involved in Sweeney Todd, a smooth running, fun show.
Carol Angland

GALLERY