Theater Department Holds Auditions For Spring Musical ‘Sweeney Todd’

Natalie Dest, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Whether you have previous acting and or singing experience, or not but are interesting in stepping out of your comfort zone, this is your chance to.

Central Connecticut’s theater department is holding its annual spring musical auditions for this semesters tale of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

One of the darkest musicals ever written, this 1979 thriller is an unsettling tale of a Victorian-era barber who returns to his home in London after 15 years of exile to take revenge on the judge who ruined his life. When vengeance takes over, Todd swears retribution on the entire human race, murdering as many people as he can.

‘Sweeny Todd’ is operatic, dark comedy, stunningly terrifying and beautiful all in one musical. If this sounds like the type of musical you would like to be a part of, why not try out?

Central Theater Director Ed Wierzbicki and Amanda Maffei are looking for any CCSU students interested in being a part of the production to participate in auditions. Slot times will be posted this week for auditions in Maloney Hall on Thurs, Feb. 7, from 5 to 9 p.m, with callbacks on Fri, Feb. 8, from 5 to 9 p.m.

The directors ask students to prepare one short song selection of your choice, most likely one verse and a chorus of a solid actable song. Students are allowed to sing a song from any musical including “Sweeney Todd” itself.

In addition, students are asked to bring their sheet music to the audition for the pianist to use and a personal resume, including all previous acting and singing experience.

It is important to remember that you are acting the song.

According to the directions, the song should be about something that matters, aim to keep the acting real and believable. If your singing is strong enough for the show, you may be asked on the spot to perform a monologue, so have one handy prior to your audition.

Chances are you will be asked for a call back with more to sing and read from “Sweeney Todd.”

Whether you are nervous or this is your forte, there is no harm in trying. If you are interested in being part of the production, pick a song you are comfortable singing, practice daily and take a chance.

For more information, you can find the audition process and sign up sheet in Maloney Hall outside the theater. Good luck to all the Blue Devils that audition.