by Kristen Nevarez Schweizer
September 22, 2024

It’s time for gloomy mornings and foggy stages in San Diego. Across the city, audiences seeking ghoulish stories for the Halloween season can laugh, scream, or cry during The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Cygnet), Dracula (The Old Globe), Hadestown (Broadway San Diego), or Die! Mommie Die! (Diversionary Black Box) to name a few. San Diego Musical Theatre’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (September 20 – October 20, 2024) is the perfect blend of terror, titters, and tears.
This stripped-down modern take on Stephen Sondheim’s beloved, macabre musical trades traditional Victorian grandeur for a leaner presentation which amplifies the tragic story’s psychological horror and dark humor. (Much like the iconic, star-studded 2014 New York Philharmonic Concert version of the show,) Sweeney Todd director Jason Blitman invites audiences to see today within the 1800s’ melodrama.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street tells the tale of a wronged barber, Sweeney Todd (DeAndre Simmons), who returns to London seeking revenge on the men who unjustly imprisoned him and destroyed his family. Teaming up with Mrs. Lovett (Meghan O’Brien Lowery), a pie shop owner, Sweeney begins murdering his customers, and Mrs. Lovett uses the bodies in her meat pies, which become wildly popular. As Sweeney gets closer to his target, the plot weaves themes of vengeance, madness, and tragedy. Ultimately, his quest for revenge leads to devastating consequences for everyone involved.

The stand out acting performance is delivered by Meghan O’Brien Lowery as Mrs. Lovett. Lowery balances the character’s creepy mind, campy humor, and aching humanity (without dropping the cockney accent). Audiences who already know the ending will appreciate her subtly even within the grotesque absurdity of her comedic choices. Her performance is the twisted heartbeat of this production.
Lovely Salima Gangani‘s Johanna and magnetic Sam Castillo offer a stark contrast to the otherwise grim cast of characters. Gangani’s soprano cuts through the darkness while Castillo’s vibrant stage presence balances a world consumed by bloodlust and madness. The role of Johanna represents innocence and purity, and the two lovers remind us beauty and love still exist amid horror.

Namesake anti-hero and star DeAndre Simmons shines during his solo number My Friends. Vocal highlights include also Luis Sherlinee’s Pirelli in The Contest, ensemble member Boston Antunez, and musical director, conductor, and keyboard player (oh my!) Richard Duenez Morrison.
An opening night takeaway: San Diego Musical Theatre may host the most diverse opening night audience in the city. Bravo to a local theater gem proving colorblind casting results in a colorful room. Their packed house featured a blend of ages, ethnicities, seasoned industry professionals, and new fans who gave an enthusiastic standing ovation.
This modern reimagining of Sweeney Todd is a solid offering for fans of Sondheim and new theatre lovers alike. Tickets range from $60 to $70 with discounts for students, seniors, and military members with performances running Thursdays through Sundays through October 20, 2024. Learn more at sdmt.org or call the box office at 858-560-5740.



