SWEENEY TODD to Open at Big Noise Theatre

Big Noise Theatre will begin their 2026-2027 season with SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler from an adaptation by Christopher Bond, the musical thriller originally directed on Broadway by Harold Prince and with orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick will be playing just a few minutes outside of Chicago through November 1, 2026 featuring a full 24 piece orchestra and original orchestrations!

A deliciously dark musical with a razor-sharp wit and wicked twists & turns, Stephen Sondheim slices into a dark tale of revenge and obsession. When barber Sweeney Todd returns to London seeking vengeance, he forms a chilling partnership with Mrs. Lovett, whose meat pies are about to contain more than meets the eye. With a hauntingly beautiful score and a story that's equal parts sinister and spellbinding, SWEENEY TODD is a bold theatrical experience that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Director Mark J. Bracken Jr. shares “As people, we are drawn to the mystery of what goes on in the shadows. This was our jumping off point for our production of Sweeney Todd, where we follow three of our characters when they happen upon an abandoned music hall. The tale of a murderous barber and priest-flavored meat that have been told generation to generation have sparked a curiosity in them that they can’t deny exploring; as they do, the darkness overcomes them and they become part of a story that they can’t seem to escape.” Aaron Kaplan (Music Director) adds “We are so excited for audiences to hear the original orchestrations of Sweeney Todd with a full 24-piece orchestra. This production places Stephen Sondheim's score at the center of the action, visible to the audience - it really acts as another character in the show. So often in theatre today people are trying to make the orchestra smaller, but we are fortunate that BNT recognizes the music in this musical by supporting the grandeur this epic score calls for!” 

The production is directed by Mark J. Bracken Jr., with Tommy Novak as Assistant Director. Additionally, Aaron Kaplan serves as Music Director and Anna Roemer as Choreographer. The production team includes Patrick Ham (Scenic Design), Martha Shuford (Costume Design), Jade Andrews (Assistant Costume Design), Aaron Lichamer (Lighting Design), Mike Patrick (Sound Design), Persephone Lawrence (Prop Design), Roberto Puig (Hair, Wig, and Makeup Design), David Geinosky (Charge Artist), David Blixt (Intimacy and Violence Director), Cecilia Pinto (Dramaturg), Hannah Weiss (Stage Manager), Sage Brown (Assistant Stage Manager), and Martha Shuford (Producer).

The cast features Christopher Ratliff as Sweeney Todd and Margaret Garafalo as Mrs. Lovett, with Chuck Quinn IV as Anthony, Lisa Buhelos as Johanna, Henry Lombardo as Tobias, Jon Cunningham as Judge Turphin, Sarah Breidenbach as Beggar Woman, Korey White as Beadle Bamford, Travis Monroe Neese as Pirelli, and Jack Taylor as Jonas Fogg. The ensemble includes McKenna Batterson, Nadya Beyar (Dance Captain), Regan Bobich, Adonis Claybourne, Will Ehrlich, Aron Gomez, Bill Gordon, Michael Kirby, Mark Laska, Samantha Mayer, Meghan McLaughlin, Ana Isabel Passero, Sophie Smekens, Jack Taylor, and Maddy Taylor. Understudies include Regan Bobich (Johanna), Will Ehrlich (Anthony), Aron Gomez (Tobias), Bill Gordon (Sweeney Todd), Michael Kirby (Beadle Bamford), Ana Isabel Passero (Mrs. Lovett), Sophie Smekens (Beggar Woman), and Jack Taylor (Pirelli).

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