Casper, WY — Opera Wyoming will present its first‑ever staging of Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the newly renovated Fox III Theatre. The run begins tonight, Nov. 6, and continues through Nov. 22, with performances on select evenings at 7:30 p.m. and afternoon shows at 2 p.m.
Local talent brings fresh perspective
Director Steven Spicher describes the production as a “dark story of a good man who has a tragedy befall him,” emphasizing the character’s obsessive drive for revenge. While the original Broadway version debuted in 1979, Spicher says his version leans into morality, portraying Sweeney’s vengeance as a cautionary tale rather than a mere plot device.
Lead actor Daniel Quintana portrays Sweeney, returning to a grim London after personal loss. Emily Quintana plays Mrs. Lovett, the baker whose infamous pies become central to the plot. Both actors note the show’s blend of wit and darkness, with Emily adding, “The whole script is very witty and you’ll find yourself laughing at things that you maybe don’t want to laugh at.”
Intimate setting enhances the experience
The Fox III Theatre, formerly a movie house, has been transformed into a community arts space with a newly built stage. Its shallow depth creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing performers to “spill into the aisles” and giving audience members a close‑up view of the action. Spicher points out that moments such as the iconic London‑on‑fire scene feel “more overwhelming” in the compact venue.
“There are moments … where Emily fills up the room. In an intimate space, suddenly you literally feel the music,” Spicher says of Emily Quintana’s vocal performance. Quintana agrees, noting, “I’ve come to love the intimacy of these small spaces. You have to be so much more authentic in your storytelling as an actor and as a director because you can’t hide behind the lights or the space.”
Rigorous rehearsal schedule
The cast devoted roughly eight weeks to rehearsals, focusing heavily on vocal preparation. Despite challenging key changes and shifting time signatures, the ensemble reports that they have fully embraced their characters and the demanding score.
Both Spicher and Quintana express excitement about sharing the production with the public. “We hope to offer an accessible, entertaining and moving performance to anyone who wishes to see it,” Spicher says.
Performance schedule and tickets
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” will be on stage for its approximate two‑hour run on the following dates and times:
- Nov. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 8, 15, 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are available through Opera Wyoming’s website. The production promises a blend of striking vocals, moody lighting, and period‑appropriate costume design, delivering a fresh, locally rooted experience of a timeless tale.
Community impact
Beyond entertainment, the show marks a milestone for Casper’s cultural landscape. It is the first production staged on the Fox III Theatre’s brand‑new stage, signaling the city’s growing commitment to the arts and providing a platform for local talent to showcase high‑quality performances.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
