Performance Preview Guide for
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Performances: July 14-24, 2016 at The Cope Gillette Theatre (formerly Village Theatre Second Stage and
Youth Education Center), 2730 Wetmore Avenue, Everett.
Parents Note: Only parents are qualified to determine what is appropriate for their children. This
Production Guide is available on our website and at the Village Theatre Everett Box Office to help you
make the decision that is right for you and your family.
Versions available to preview: A script is available at the Everett Performing Arts Center Box Office. Call
(425) 257-8600 to arrange to read a copy at the theatre.
Production length: The show will run approximately two hours and fifteen minutes, with one 15-minute
intermission.
NOTE: This show is rated PG-13. Viewer discretion is advised.
Why did KIDSTAGE decide to produce Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street?
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a classic in the musical theatre cannon and one of
composer Stephen Sondheim’s crowning Broadway achievements. With challenging, yet beautiful and fun
music, a great and intricate plot, and memorable characters, this show will be a wonderful experience for older
students wanting to challenge themselves as performers but also performs some of the best music ever
composed for the stage.
Synopsis: Sweeney Todd is the infamous bloody tale of an unjustly exiled barber, who returns to 19th century
London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him. When he opens a barber shop above a
local meat pie shop, his thirst for blood inspires a new ingredient that has the people of London lining up. With
music by Stephen Sondheim (Into the Woods, A Little Night Music), Sweeney Todd is the multi-Tony award
winning sensation that has simultaneously shocked, awed, and delighted audiences around the world. Join us for
this twistedly tasty musical treat. The carnage has only just begun!
Script Content Details
Please note: the following contains plot spoilers.
Violence: This show contains many onstage deaths involving razors and fake blood. They are made to look
realistic and the actors whose characters are killed will be taken offstage as if they are dead. There are many
references to razors, blood, and murder throughout the show. Mrs. Lovett also uses human meat in her pies that
she sells as the show progresses.
Language: The words “shit,” “God,” “bloody,” “piss,” “hell,” “slut,” and “damn,” are used as situational
exclamations. The word “queer” is also used in dialogue to reference something strange.
Sexual Content: The musical number “Poor Thing” contains an implied rape. This is not shown, but is alluded
to via a crowd circling the character Lucy followed by a scream. It is also mentioned in a few other songs and
moments. Characters experience various situations throughout the show where they discover and rediscover
their desire for love and relationships, such as seducing significant others with body language and using sexual
innuendo. One couple focuses more on love and sexual longing, including kisses, while another uses more body
language and sexual gestures. There are also sexual innuendos used in an aggressive manner by certain
characters. An older character also has a sexual interest in a teenage character.
Alcohol References: Many characters drink ale or beer in the show and reference it as well. Since the show is
set in the 19th Century, ale was often easier to obtain than clean water, and some characters may act tipsy at
times.
Other: The show contains relationships influenced by gender norms in the 19th Century. For instance, Sweeney
uses the word “woman” as a term to put Mrs. Lovett in her place, and ladies are seen as “sensitive”.