SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET to Close Hackmatack Playhouse Season

Hackmatack Farm + Playhouse closes out its 2026 season with Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, running August 28 - September 12.

Sweeney Todd tells the sinister and thrilling tale of a vengeful barber who returns to London after years of wrongful exile. Reunited with his barbershop and driven by the desire to bring justice to the corrupt judge who destroyed his life, Sweeney Todd partners with the resourceful Mrs. Lovett, whose meat pies gain a chilling new ingredient. Filled with razor-sharp wit, unforgettable music, and soaring emotion, the story explores love, loss, and the terrifying lengths to which a broken heart can go.

The cast stars Kevin Mahaney as Sweeney Todd, Emily Zentis as Mrs. Lovett, Mikey Mousaw as Anthony Hope, and Shanna Smith as Johanna. The role of Tobias Ragg is played by Caden Ari Adair, the sinister Judge Turpin by Marcus Provost, Beadle by Kyle Sidders, Beggar Woman by Sierra Cummings and the flamboyant Pirelli by Paul Newcomb. Additional roles are performed by an ensemble including JD Raines, Diana Gibson, Maggie O'Neill, Marissa Conroy, Maxwell Creedon, Teddy Wilkin and Kate Piatti.

Director Tom Alsip shared how the creative team is approaching Sweeney Todd as a story that brings musical theater and horror together, leaning into the unique atmosphere of Hackmatack's historic barn. 'I have always felt that Sweeney Todd is the closest that musical theatre gets to the horror genre. And that's something I wanted to lean into here,' shares Alsip. 'The barn's unique look has a very industrial feel. Knowing that the show takes place on Fleet Street (mostly) I wanted to marry the look of the barn to the world of being near the docks in London.'

Alsip's approach also uses the space beyond the stage to create a more immersive experience for audiences. 'This enables the playing space to spill off the stage into the house, further blending the world of the audience with the world of the performers,' he says. 'What's more, that enables the performers to surround the audience bringing the story into their space and giving the show more of an immersive feel.'

While Sweeney Todd is known for its grand and theatrical style, Alsip hopes to heighten the darker elements of the story. 'I want to expand that out in a way that is more frightening, grim, macabre,' reflects Alsip. 'I hope my immersive approach, and even the potential for a jump scare or two will expand that feeling into something that feels more like a traditional horror tale.'

The production's creative team is also bringing a range of technical and artistic elements to the stage, from Dane Leeman's design of the iconic barber chair to costumes by James McLaughlin, lighting by Tayva Young, sound effects by Ghetti Jensen-Fellows, music direction by Steven Bergman, and choreography and heightened movement by Wanda Strukus. 'All professional productions are group efforts and we have a special group for this one,' shares Alsip.

'I think I'm just excited for audiences to see the talent we have,' Alsip says. 'That talent is also evident in the performers onstage. I love this cast and their potential and know audiences will be blown away by what they bring to the stage and the way they embody these characters.'

Event Details

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street runs August 28 - September 12 at Hackmatack Playhouse.

Shows are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm, with select matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2pm.

Box Office Hours: opens 2 hours before show time

Box Office Phone: (207) 698-1807

Box Office Email: boxoffice@hackmatack.org

Tickets for Hackmatack Playhouse's 2026 lineup are now available, with special discounts available for seniors, students and youth. Discounts are available for seniors 65+, students, youths (12 and under) & group sales. Visit www.hackmatackplayhouse.org/theater or https://www.hackmatackplayhouse.org/box-office, or contact Hackmatack Playhouse at (207) 698-1807.

About Hackmatack Playhouse

Nestled in pastoral Berwick, Maine, Hackmatack Farm + Playhouse has been a cherished venue for live theater for over 50 years. With its charming, rustic setting and dedication to artistic excellence, Hackmatack brings stories to life for audiences across the Seacoast and beyond. Visit www.hackmatackplayhouse.org to learn more.

Photo Credit: JD Raines

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