Murder, Music, and Mayhem (Clarksville Little Theatre)
Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Book by Hugh Wheeler
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Based on an adaptation by Christopher Bond
Directed by Andrew K. McGill
Music Director Wesley Thomas
Review by Erin Hargan
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Erin Hargan. All rights reserved.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Clarksville Little Theatre is a dark musical thriller filled with suspense, revenge, and plenty of grim humor. Stephen Sondheim’s haunting musical follows Sweeney Todd, a barber who returns to London seeking revenge after being wrongfully imprisoned and separated from his family. As his quest unfolds, he forms an unlikely partnership with Mrs. Lovett, whose meat-pie business takes a particularly gruesome turn. With its chilling story, memorable music, and macabre atmosphere, Clarksville Little Theatre brings this classic tale of revenge to the stage.
The cast brings plenty of intensity to this dark story, particularly in the performances of Jareth Todd Gaddis as Sweeney Todd and Kathryn Alvey as Mrs. Lovett. Gaddis portrays Sweeney as a man consumed by anger and revenge, while Alvey brings humor and liveliness to the role of Mrs. Lovett. Gaddis’ strong baritone voice in the role of Sweeney Todd brought an intensity to the role that provides a psychological and emotional anchor for the audience. He effectively captures Sweeney’s bitterness and determination as his desire for revenge takes over his life, Alvey’s portrayal of the pragmatic and conniving Mrs. Lovett brings dark humor as a compelling contrast to Sweeney Todd’s more serious and vengeful nature. Their scenes together provide some of the production’s most memorable moments, balancing the darker elements of the story with Sondheim’s twisted sense of humor, and their duet “A Little Priest” is a clever turning point in the plot and showcases the actor’s chemistry on stage.
The multi-level split stage is an effective part of the production, with Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop below Sweeney Todd’s barber shop. The design makes good use of the stage and lighting helps create the dark atmosphere that fits the story. The supporting cast and ensemble also add to that atmosphere, bringing the residents of Victorian London to life through their acting and singing. The entire cast makes good use of the stage and music, especially in numbers such as “God, That’s Good!” which brings the ensemble together as the story takes an important turn.
With its dark story, haunting music, strong performances, and eerie atmosphere, Clarksville Little Theatre’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street offers an entertaining evening of musical theater with a decidedly sinister twist. The production captures both the tragedy and dark humor at the heart of Sondheim’s classic musical. For audiences who enjoy suspense, plenty of drama, and a story that is definitely not afraid to get bloody, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street makes for a memorable night at the theater.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Clarksville Little Theatre
October 2-4 October 8-11
301 Montgomery Ave.
Clarksville, IN 47129
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