Hillbarn, a small theater company in Foster City south of San Francisco is producing SWEENEY TODD. I've attended lots of shows there over the years. I went this evening with some trepidation. The last few shows I've seen haven't been up to Hillbarn's standards. Well...the curse is broken! LOL
This is an OUTSTANDING production. Hillbarn is a small house and the intimacy worked very well for this show. They typically use the two stairways alot, and probably the most in this show. I was in Row A on the aisle and it wasn't easy to turn around, so I just had to listen to the performers.
But the voices! Director Joshua Marx recruited an amazing set of actor-singers. Just gorgeous from lead to ensemble. I adore Heather Orth and Lovett is such a perfect role for her. Keith Pinto is probably one of the best Todd's I've ever seen. Orth and Pinto play very well off each other. Samuel Nachison as Beadle was also a standout. I like the character of Pirelli but thought Jesse Cortez, while clearly an accomplished performer, played him just a bit too fem for me. I also thought Ross Briscoe as Tobias was good, but he was a bit too old for the role in my opinion. Jennifer Mitchell as Johanna has a beautiful voice and her 'Green Finch...' was memorable.
Set design by Ting Na Wang was simple but effective. And the orchestra was awesome. At some times I thought it must have been a recording it was so perfect. It's been noted here and elsewhere that at Hillbarn the musicians (14 for this production) are stuffed into an attic not much bigger than the size of a closet.
The show plays through February 10. Go! I believe you won't be disappointed.
I saw it Saturday afternoon and it was an excellent production, and I also had been disappointed by the last show I'd seen at Hillbarn. Keith Pinto, who was great last summer as Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the San Jose Stage, is a compelling Todd. Heather Orth, though, is his match as a very funny Mrs. Lovett. The leads were consistently good, and I agree in particular about Samuel Nachison as Beadle. I didn't mind Jesse Cortez's flamboyant take as Pirelli. The ensemble brings a lot of energy, and it's definitely better to see if further back because director Joshua Marx really uses the stairs to his advantage in the small venue.
The show closes Sunday, and there were - last I checked - just two seats left.
Bear, so glad you got to see it. Yes, I recall we were equally disappointed with A Christmas Carol if I recall. I wanted to make it work for a second visit to Todd this weekend but couldn't swing it. I suspect this excellent production will earn some well-deserved Theater Bay Area Awards later this year.
joined:10/3/16
joined:
10/3/16
Posted: 1/27/19 at 3:32am