Page 68 - Sonoma County Gazette MARCH 2020

Sweeney Todd at 6th Street Playhouse This production of Stephen Sondheim’s famously ghoulish musical
pursuing Sally ever since he met her a year before, sending her love letters every day. And now he’s shown up, on the July 4th, 1944, determined she will accept his proposal of marriage. A sweet, touching comedy, the play by American playwright Lanford Wilson is guaranteed to deliver a feel- good glow. The show runs approx. 97 minutes without intermission.
Daniela Innocenti-Beem plays meat-pie baker Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. Photo by Jennifer Griego.
In a nutshell, Todd is really Benjamin Barker, determined to avenge his wife’s rape and death and rescue his daughter from the loathsome judge. When Mrs. Lovett restores his barbershop tools to him, the two hatch a devilish plot to satisfy both their needs. It’s epic, demonic, and even surprisingly humorous as the macabre fable unfolds. Put this one on your calendar now, as it’s sure to sell out.
Sweeney Todd, the Demon
Barber of Fleet Street
Presented by 6th Street Playhouse G.K. Hardt Theatre
52 W. 6th Street, Santa Rosa 95401 (707) 523-4185 www.6thstreetplayhouse.com
Talley’s Folly a Sweet Treat in Cloverdale
Sally Talley is Falling in love, just when she’d given up on Cupid at
the “old” age of 31— with a man of whom her family disapproves. One, he’s Jewish, very forbidden in her adamantly Christian milieu; and two, he’s much older than she is, by eleven years. But
Matt Friedman has been doggedly
promises to be different from others
you may have seen, in an innovative, minimalist staging. The casting is stellar, with Pedro Rodelas as vengeful barber Sweeney Todd, Andre Amarotico as lovelorn Anthony Hope, and Daniela Innocenti-Beem as Mrs. Lovett, the gleeful baker of questionable meat pies. Sweet-voiced Gillian Eichenberger plays trapped Johanna, and Larry Williams gets to wax evil as corrupt Judge Turpin. Helmed by director Patrick Nims (Oliver! last Fall), the show has already created buzz in the local theatre community.
Talley’s Folly
Runs Mar. 7, 14, 21 at 7:30pm
Presented by Cloverdale Performing Arts
Cloverdale Performing Arts Center 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale 95425 • (707) 894-2214 www.cloverdaleperformingarts.com
The Beauty Queen of Leenane at Curtain Call This dark tale from Irish playwright Martin McDonagh
continues to win awards whenever produced, testifying to its raw emotional power and veracity. The first of McDonagh’s plays and the first in hisLeenanetrilogy, the story features a bitter, aged mother and her lonely spinster daughter caught in a
dysfunctional dynamic neither can
change. Visits from neighboring
brothers appear to offer escape—
but might just raise false hopes and
deepen the gulf between mother and
daughter. Authentic characters and
relationships paint a somber portrait
of lives lived in desperation in a
brilliant script by McDonagh, hailed
as today’s greatest Irish playwright.
and Mar. 8, 15, 22 at 2:00pm.
Runs Mar. 6 - Apr. 5
The production features Avi Lind as mother Mag, Jamie Colleran as daughter Maureen, Jake Hamlin as Pato Dooley, and Chris Reid as Ray Dooley, with direction by Michael Tabib. Only 10 performances.
In rehearsal, Andre Amarotico as Anthony Hope and Pedro Rodelas as Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd at 6th Street Playhouse. Photo by Cheryl King.
Jake Hamlin as Pato Dooley, romanced by Jamie Colleran as Maureen.
Photo by Lorri Levy Comer.
READ Jeanie’s reviews online @ SonomaCountyGazette.com
The Beauty Queen of Leenane
Presented by Curtain Call Theatre at Russian River Hall 20347 Highway 116, Monte Rio 95462 • (707) 524-8739 www.russianriverhall.com
Runs Mar. 13 - Apr. 4.
Jeanie K. Smith LOVES live theater so every weekend she’s out experiencing shows then writes up reviews which we post on our website. She’s honest and insightful, which we appreciate. When she says “go see this,” follow her advice!
68 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 3/20