From Feb. 19 through Feb. 28, Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts is hosting a series of performances of the iconic literary and theatrical musical "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." The Department of Theatre and Dance is putting on a presentation of the musical, complete with singing, laughter and murderous fun.
"Sweeney Todd" is an award-winning show about a barber, of the same name, who escapes incarceration and wishes to reunite with his estranged wife and daughter. When he meets a baker named Mrs. Lovett, he begins a dangerous adventure in the world of business and crime.
Todd’s tarnished reputation and new life begin to merge, as a young man falls in love with his daughter, Johanna. Todd develops a horrific set of schemes to ensure his own justice and seek revenge on those who have wronged him, all while selling a few meat pies along the way.
Tickets are available for the show on the College of Liberal Arts website, with shows on Feb. 26, 27 and 28 at the Telfair B. Peet Theatre on Auburn's campus, all from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The show also divides the two acts with a 15-minute intermission.
However, while all can attend, the show is suited best for mature audiences who can handle violence and cursing.
On Feb. 25, the theater was nearly sold out, as it had been for all of its previous showings of the musical. The costumes and set, along with hard work from the performers, enveloped the audience into a suspenseful, macabre version of 19th-century London.
The intriguing show and the dazzling performances from the cast left the audience on the edge of their seats. The lighting and sound were captivating, and the effects included a fog machine.
The cast executed their vocal and physical roles smoothly, with beautiful and humorous performances from Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett, played by Patrick Barnett and Kathryn Mims respectively.
“I think my favorite part was the technical aspects," said Hope DeBoom, attendee and freshman studying business analytics and marketing with a minor in photography.
"Sweeney Todd" utilized a large stage set, complete with stairs, ladders, doors and three levels. The set also boasted realistic brick detailing that added to the entrancing effect of the stage. Many also took notice of the lighting and sound, which closely intertwined with and supported the musical’s plot. The fog machine intrigued viewers, including DeBoom, and added a realistic and exciting characteristic to the show.
“Come and see it. Come and see it more than once," said Reese Holbrook, freshman studying early childhood education with a minor in theater.
Holbrook, as well as other audience members, appreciated the skill and talent that the cast brought to the performance.
“It’s very cool to watch them change characters throughout the show,” Holbrook said.
Not only did the audience exhibit overwhelmingly positive feedback about "Sweeney Todd" but so did the show’s director Andrew Schwartz, who also works as an associate professor in the theatre department and specializes in acting.
“They’ve really stepped up, and we have a very good group," Schwartz said. "It’s been fun watching them dive into these characters.”
Schwartz emphasized the cast and crew’s hard work not only make the performance come to life but also invite the audience’s interest. The performers in Auburn’s "Sweeney Todd" have collaborated and worked diligently to create a show that blends humor, violence and beautiful music in a twisted, mysterious world.
"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" is an opportunity for student performers to apply their skills and learning from the theatre program. It’s also an opportunity for the audience to experience a timeless musical starring Auburn’s skilled student performers.
“It’s a less formal atmosphere. Everyone gets a chance to be an artist,” Schwartz said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Lorelei Young, sophomore majoring in English language arts education, is from Columbiana, Alabama. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since the fall of 2025.
