Opera Wyoming presents 'Sweeney Todd' on new 14-foot stage

Opera Wyoming has opened the curtains on its first production in the Fox III Theatre’s newly constructed performance space. The venue, formerly a movie theater, is undergoing a transformation into a community arts center. This marks the debut of the new stage, which features a depth of only 14 feet. The company presents "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" from November 6 through November 22. The production runs for approximately two hours. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21. Matinees occur at 2 p.m. on November 8, 15, and 22. Tickets are available on the Opera Wyoming website.

Director Steven Spicher describes the story as a dark tale of a man destroyed by tragedy and obsession. "It is a dark story of a good man who has a tragedy befall him. Then it’s about his obsession, his need for revenge and what that does to him," Spicher said. He notes the production is "so, so dark and, at times, so hilarious." The plot follows Sweeney, played by Daniel Quintana, returning to London after a series of personal losses. He reunites with Mrs. Lovett, played by Emily Quintana, who runs a pie shop with a poor reputation. The two open a barber shop and discover Sweeney’s arch-nemesis is nearby. They hatch a revenge plot that leaves their community members either mutilated or maniacal.

The 14-foot stage depth creates an intimate atmosphere that differs from traditional opera venues. Spicher explains that this shallow space forces actors to spill into the aisles. This physical proximity makes dramatic moments more overwhelming for the audience. "There are moments … where Emily fills up the room. In an intimate space, suddenly you literally feel the music," Spicher said. Emily Quintana agrees with the assessment of the new environment. "I’ve come to love the intimacy of these small spaces," she said. She added that actors must be "so much more authentic in your storytelling" because they cannot hide behind large sets or lighting effects.

The visual design of the show emphasizes a macabre 19th century London. The set is bathed in long shadows and lit primarily in shades of purple and red. Costume and light design work together to create this specific aesthetic. Spicher stated that previous interpretations of the Sondheim script often portrayed Sweeney as a cog in a machine. His production instead focuses on the character’s drive for revenge as a tale of morality. The score, composed by Stephen Sondheim, features complex vocal demands. The character of Sweeney has appeared on stage for over a century before the 1979 Broadway musical adaptation.

The cast spent approximately eight weeks rehearsing for the production. Most of this time was dedicated to vocal practice. The score includes challenging key changes and shifting time signatures. Emily Quintana noted that mastering the music was the most difficult aspect of the rehearsal process. Despite these hurdles, she said the cast and crew have fully entered their characters. "The whole script is very witty and you’ll find yourself laughing at things that you maybe don’t want to laugh at," Quintana said. The production aims to be accessible, entertaining, and moving for a general audience.

The Fox III Theatre is transitioning from its former life as a cinema to a dedicated arts space. This production is the first to utilize the new stage infrastructure. The shallow depth of the stage is a defining feature of the new build. It requires a different approach to blocking and lighting compared to deeper stages. The company is using this opening run to test the capabilities of the new room. The mix of light, costume, and set design is tailored to the specific dimensions of the Fox III stage. The goal is to leverage the close proximity between performers and spectators.