Cast Set For SWEENEY TODD at Hartford Stage
Sondheim's classic will be directed by Melia Bensussen at Hartford Stage's main stage
Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford have announced the cast and creative team that will bring Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street to life in a historic co-production between the two downtown institutions. Directed by TheaterWorks Hartford's Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero, this chilling tale of love, murder, and revenge will be performed at Hartford Stage from June 5 to July 5, 2026.
This intimate production will be led by Matt Faucher (Broadway's Beautiful: The Carol King Musical) as Sweeney Todd and Jackie Burns (Broadway's Wicked, If/Then, Hair) as Mrs. Lovett. They are joined by Carey Brown as Beggar Woman, Willem Butler as Anthony Hope, Tristan David Caldwell as Adolfo Pirelli and Jonas Fogg, Lauren Maria Medina as Johanna, Brian Ray Norris as Beadle Bamford, Cole Thompson as Tobias Ragg, and Edward Watts as Judge Turpin.
In addition to Ruggiero, the creative team includes choreographer Ralph Perkins and music director Wiley Deweese. The production features scenic design by Luke Cantarella; costume design by Fabian Aguilar; lighting design by John Lasiter; sound design by Beth Lake; wig, hair, and make-up design by J. Jared Janas; dialect and vocal coaching by Jennifer Scapetis-Tycer; intimacy and fight coordination by Michael Rossmy; and casting by Alldaffer & Donadio Casting. The stage manager is Nicole Wiegert, and the assistant stage manager is Julius Cruz.
“I couldn't be more excited to begin this journey working on Sweeney Todd with the incredibly talented Jackie Burns and Matt Faucher,” said Ruggiero. “I've had the joy of working with each of them before. They're not only brilliant artists, but truly wonderful collaborators and two of the most creative and genuinely fun people to be in a room with. The rest of the cast is amazing – and together with a wonderfully talented creative team, there's so much to look forward to. Partnering with Hartford Stage on this very special project signifies over 100 years of great theater making in Hartford.”
Hartford Stage Artistic Director Melia Bensussen added: “I am excited to welcome this exceptional cast along with our colleagues from TheaterWorks Hartford into our spaces at Hartford Stage as this historic partnership comes to fruition. This production promises to be a truly special theatrical experience that celebrates all that our Hartford theater community has to offer.”
Performances are from June 5 to July 5, 2026, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2:00 p.m. All performances are at Hartford Stage. Tickets start at $30, with lowest prices during preview performances June 5 through June 11. Groups of 10 or more receive a 20% discount.
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