Sweeney Todd is based on the 19th century melodrama about a London criminal. Todd is sort of portrayed as a noble figure driven to crime when Judge Turpin takes his wife and child from him. He is unjustly imprisoned and vows revenge not only to the judge, but also to all the people of London.

The theater production began with an awesome staging of eeriness to further the mood of the title itself. My attention was captured as soon as the play began. The thick mist gives way to an entire "underworld" of Londoners. They come out with their gutter costumes and worn-looking faces. In cut-off laconic phrases they sing verses of the Sweeney Todd ballad. The ballad is important to the play. Every time I heard it, it just reminded me of the evil that was on stage. I think this was the purpose of the song--to keep the audience's attention focused on the insanity surrounding Sweeney's killing spree. The band of beggars and street people advance toward the audience in rags and in anger. They are very important in showing Sweeney's personality early in the show. To complete the actors' purpose, Sweeney Todd himself rises from the pits below. His face has evil and revenge writ

Mrs. Lovett sings "By the Sea" (a song that indicates her longing to be with Sweeney Todd, while he rants on about Judge Turpin) she is very expressive in both manner and voice. You find yourself caring about what happens to

Overall, the cast made this a very interesting play. Each character added a unique quality to the play. Sweeney Todd--revenge and hatred; Mrs. Lovett--comedy and cleverness; Judge Turpin--evil; Anthony and Johanna (whom I didn't mention) --love. All of these characters combined formed a winning production of Sweeney Todd.

The Beggar woman was a surprise character indeed. I was very shocked at the end to find out she was actually Sweeney's wife. She did a marvelous job in playing the role of a beggar. Her costume was ragged and torn and her hair stringy. Her appearance said, "I am a beggar." She was quite the comic in the beginning of Act I. I thought it was so funny when she was singing slowly and then would burst out with the lines, "Would you like to split my muff?" Every time she sang, I was hoping for those famous words. She was definitely a wonderful addition to the cast.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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