News release
Canyon High School Drama invites the community to experience a bold and chilling production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” running March 26-28 at 7 p.m. in the Canyon High Performing Arts Center, the high school theater group announced in a news release.
“This gripping musical thriller has been reimagined in a World War II setting, unfolding during the harrowing days of the London Blitz,” the release said. “Director Art Miller brings a fresh perspective to the classic tale, incorporating a unique ‘War Quartet’ that serves as a Greek chorus — an ever-present, ghostly reminder of the devastation and psychological toll of war.”
“I wanted the piece to have a feeling of dread throughout, and the London Blitz was certainly a terrifying, brutal time in history,” Miller said in the release. “These images are eventually a counter to the selfish war that Sweeney begins to take on as he goes further down his slippery slope of madness and obsession.”
Leading the cast is senior Josh Ighodaro in the title role of Sweeney Todd. “Canyon’s production offers a refreshing change in the time period and social context of the musical, serving as a testament to the timelessness of the human condition,” Ighodaro said in the release. “There aren’t many high school shows like this one.”
Opposite him, Evie Greene portrays the cunning Mrs. Lovett. Reflecting on her experience, Greene said in the release, “My favorite song is ‘Not While I’m Around,’ because it absolutely challenges me in my quieter character moments.”
Brandon Davenport takes on the role of Anthony, a sailor determined to rescue Johanna from the villainous Judge Turpin. “Definitely the Johanna Act 1 sequence,” Davenport said in the release, regarding his favorite moment. “My character experiences so much newfound love, joy, and hope, and it is instantly stripped away in a brutal attack. This then gives him motivation to rescue Johanna.”
Diane Riser, who plays Johanna, emphasized the emotional depth of the production and the strength of the program: “It’s amazing to work with these people and build these deep emotions. We are building something beautiful together.”
Performances are scheduled 7 p.m. March 26-28 at the Canyon Performing Arts Center, 19300 Nadal St., Canyon Country. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased at the box office.
