I’m sure many of us have attended the tale of Sweeney Todd on stage or have seen the 2007 film. It’s a Stephen Sondheim staple, telling the creepy tale of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street as he returns to London looking for revenge, and the opportunistic pie maker, Mrs. Lovett, who uses the bloody plot to enrich her life. But not many who have seen the musical might know what it takes to bring Sweeney Todd to life on stage. That is an entirely different monster, but one that John Deierlein of Avon Players Theatre in Rochester Hills, MI knows rather intimately at this time.
Avon Players’ Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is still deep in rehearsals as they prepare for their opening night on September 6, but director John Deierlein took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his time working on this classic musical. In the interview below, Deierlein discusses his experience with the show, why now felt like the right time to bring it to Avon Players, and some of the challenges and surprises that have arisen as the incredible cast and crew work diligently to bring the dirty streets of London to audiences looking for an exciting night in the theater.
[Note: The interview below may have been lightly edited for clarity. Warning for mild spoilers from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]
Interview with John Deierlein, director of Avon Players’ Sweeney Todd
With this being a classic Stephen Sondheim musical, why did now feel like the right time to bring it to Avon Players?
JD: Originally produced on Broadway in 1979 starring Angela Lansbury, the recent Broadway revival starring Josh Groban gave the show a bit of a rebirth and inspired us to tackle this incredible piece of American musical theater.
What was your first experience with the musical?
JD: I have been aware of the show for decades, but was not inspired to direct the show until seeing the Josh Groban revival on Broadway a year or so ago. I really thought it was something that our performers could sink their teeth into, and our audiences would thoroughly enjoy.
What about Sweeney Todd appealed to you?
JD: Both the brilliant score by Stephen Sondheim, as well as thrilling story appealed to me as a Director.
How has your experience with shows such as Sweeney Todd changed with being the director?
JD: I have been directing musicals all of my adult life. That, coupled with being a trained vocalist and former professional opera, singer, I feel like I can bring a lot of unique experience to the directing of Sweeney Todd, and it’s sweeping, opera-like score.
With Sweeney Todd being around since 1979, how do you feel the show has changed/adapted since its inception?
JD: Sweeney Todd has been presented in many different ways. Not just as a traditional stage musical, but also as a Tim Burton film starring Johnny Depp. I feel like the most recent, Josh Groban Broadway revival was the closest to grand opera which inspired me to do the piece.
What is your process like bringing this musical to the stage, and how has it differed from past directorial experiences?
JD: The process of putting on a stage musical is similar regardless of the piece. We often start with several weeks of vocal music rehearsals until the cast starts to get the songs in their voices. Typically, we move onto choreography and staging at that point followed by trying to stitch all of the pieces together. This time around, we had a rather daunting and short rehearsal period. That meant moving quickly during rehearsals, and needing our dedicated performers to do their homework. With everyone involved being so passionate about the show, we are really on track to wowing the audiences on opening night.
What was the casting process like?
JD: We had a large turnout to audition for Sweeney Todd. Depending on the show, auditions can spend lots of time doing acting auditions and dance auditions but for this piece, with the music being the most important part, we really focused on finding the right vocalists. When it was all said done, we assembled an incredibly talented group of performers.
What have been some challenges with bringing this show to life?
JD: You would think preparing the singers to perform this incredibly difficult score would’ve been the biggest challenge, but a show of this scale has many challenges. Outfitting a 20-person company of actors in early Victorian clothing is no small feat, as well as creating a large set, with its share of theatrical tricks, has also posed various challenges
Are there instances with this show that change as you develop it, or has it stayed true to your vision for Sweeney Todd?
JD: Live Theatre is always a living breathing thing. As we move through the rehearsal process, ideas pop up from all involved that tend to add to the production. Also, certain challenges pop up, and you have to always be ready to move in a new direction. When is all said and done, it’s always some has grown from your original plans.
As the director, how is it to see your vision become a reality on stage?
JD: It is really rewarding, as a Director, to have a group of such talented performers and designers who are willing to trust me and bring to life the vision I have in mind. I am surrounded, in this production, by the most incredible team of people. The audience will not be disappointed.
Why do you think this musical still appeals to people?
JD: Brilliant music never goes out of fashion, nor does a brilliant, and thrilling story. Sweeney Todd has it all.
How has the cast surprised you so far?
JD: With a piece this complicated, there would’ve been no way for us to learn everything we needed during rehearsal time. This cast has been amazing at going home and doing a lot of reflection as well as a lot of homework, and is always ready at the next rehearsal to move ahead. They’ve been an incredibly dedicated cast.
How do you go about adapting a show such as Sweeney Todd as a local production? What factors into the decisions you make in that transition?
JD: Well, our budgets are dramatically lower than the professionals and our stage is quite a bit smaller. We just look at those obstacles as a great challenge, and we will have no problem overcoming them.
Beginning Avon’s season with a huge show like Sweeney Todd, how do you feel this sets the tone and pace for the rest of the 2024-2025 season?
JD: I hope the show really generates a lot of excitement and interest in our new season. We have an incredible season of great shows, all headed up by experienced and talented directors. There is something for everybody this season and, for the best priced tickets available, a season ticket is always the way to go.
Don’t miss Sweeney Todd at the Avon Players in Rochester Hills, MI
See Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Avon Players Theatre, Which runs for three weekends in September! Let us know your thoughts on this interview and if you’ve seen Sweeney Todd before on social media @mycosmiccircus and @boxseatbabes!
