Reviews of Sweeney Todd (2024)
Local Reviews
"It is no exaggeration to say that from the ensemble to the demon barber himself, every single actor in this production is a master of their craft." - PDX Parent
"A successful SWEENEY TODD requires strong singers who can bridge the gap between musical theatre and opera, where this show sits. Here, this production directed by Chip Miller shines." - Broadway World
"Portland Center Stage has mounted a strong production... of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, featuring a dream cast that carries off Stephen Sondheim’s operatic vocals with energy and power... This production will thrill audiences and offer the curious plenty of unsettling things to ponder." - Oregon ArtsWatch
"This world is an iconic one, but under Miller’s direction, it takes on new and important meaning to meet this moment in time." - Willamette Week
Audience Raves
"Everything felt like Broadway!"
"The show was Amazing!! And the voices of EVERYONE, just Awesome!!"
"We caught Ashley Song as Mrs. Lovett, and she absolutely blew us away."
"I absolutely loved it - what a great cast, and set, and show!"
"Excellent performers, visionary direction, hugely entertaining; artful, smart, funny, great."
"I brought my daughter, we absolutely loved it. Completely incredible performance from beginning to end."
"The set, the lighting, and the costumes acted as another character in the show - the singing and acting were SO. GOOD. and the full performance was amazing. Even better: we happened to hear the pre-show Q&A and that made our experience even richer."
More about Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street:
Stephen Sondheim
Sondheim is considered one of the most important American composers — contributing to the sound and story of the American musical theatre. Read a brief biography and chronology of this celebrated, award-winning artist.
A Synopsis of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd at your own risk; there be spoilers within!
A Timeline of Sweeney Todd
From penny dreadful to Johnny Depp; a timeline of Sweeney Todd in popular culture.
An Interview with Sweeney Todd Director Chip Miller
PCS Literary Manager Kamilah Bush talked to Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street director Chip Miller about their deep connection to Sondheim and why "rage in the world" makes the show so relevant today.
Sweeney Todd Reading List
Calling all readers! Multnomah County Library put together a reading list inspired by our production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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