Sweeney Todd is a magnificent mind blowing masterpiece with music and lyrics by the genius, Stephen Sondheim. Nobody does it better. Applause and accolades, kudos and commendation to Pacific Opera Project aka POP, for doing justice to the complexity and intricacy of a Sondheim tour de force. You will fall in love with opera again or for the first time. They had me at hello!
Sweeney Todd premiered on Broadway in 1979 and won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. It is based on the 1970 play Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond. The character of Sweeney Todd first appeared in a Victorian penny dreadful titled The String of Pearls.
You only have three more chances to catch this glorious gem at the El Portal Theatre, Debbie Reynolds Mainstage, 5269 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601.
Showtimes are Friday, November 6, 2026 at 7:30PM; Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 7:30PM; and Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 3:00PM.
Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at pacificoperaproject.com/sweeney-todd. Doors open thirty minutes before curtain time.
As POP Artistic Director Josh Shaw put it so eloquently and explicitly: "There is something about hearing this score with operatic voices, in an intimate, 360-seat theater, with minimal amplification, seeing the sweat drip from foreheads, and feeling the voice vibrate through your body." Sweeney Todd seaps into your soul and spirit leaving you elated energized exuberant and exhilarated.
For several thespians, Sweeney Todd is their POP debut yet they are terrific top notch tremendous tantalizing talents commanding the stage with pristine precise poise.
The captivating compelling cast features Kellen Schrimper as Sweeney Todd and Mackenzie Rogers as Mrs. Lovett. Rogers is the spit image of Helana Bonham Carter who played Lovett in the 2007 film adaption directed by Tim Burton and co starring Johnny Depp as Sweeney.
The charismatic company also includes: Chris Hunter as Anthony Hope, Chloe Sundet as Johanna Barker, Phil Meyer as Judge Turpin, Dallas Perry as Tobias Ragg, Derrek Stark as Adolfo Pirelli, Caroline Nelms as Beggar Woman, William Grundler as Beadle Bamford, and Jefferson Lanz as Jonas Fogg.
Recently named amongst the Best of Classical Music in 2024 by the LA Times, POP reimagines opera as an affordable adventure, by making unforgettable entertainment accessible for all. A mobile opera company, POP has presented over 70 productions in more than 20 venues, reaching over 80,000 audience members.
Learn more at www.pacificoperaproject.com.
Visit elportaltheatre.com/sweeneytodd.html for additional info.
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