SHARON, Pa. – The ACTS Performing Arts Center will present the classic Stephen Sondheim musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” for three weekends beginning Friday.

Directed by Rob Sinesio, the musical is scheduled for eight performances: 7:30 p.m. March 28-29, April 4-5 and April 11-12; and 2:30 p.m. March 30 and April 6.

Tickets are $25 ($20 for students), and can be purchased HERE, at the door or by calling the box office at 724 815 4388.

The theater is at the corner of West State Street and South Irvine Avenue, downtown.

The production will use ACTS’ new 16-foot-by-16-foot LED wall to provide scenery that will transport viewers to the shadowy streets of early 19th-century London.

“We’re bringing a fresh and exciting take on Sweeney Todd to the ACTS stage, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience the powerful performances and stunning visual effects,” director Ron Sinesio said.

“Sweeney Todd” tells the story of a barber who returns to the city after being wrongfully imprisoned for years. Consumed by a thirst for revenge, Todd forms an unlikely partnership with the eccentric Mrs. Lovett, who runs a struggling pie shop. As Todd’s vengeance unfolds, the line between civilization and savagery blurs in this haunting tale of madness, love and moral decay.

ACTS is bringing a twist to the production with cameo appearances by local celebrities for each performance. Here is the schedule: 

  • Gerry Ricciutti, WKBN TV news reporter, March 28.
  • David George, president of Joy Cone Co., March 29.
  • Carmen Aiello, executive director of Visit Mercer County, March 30.
  • Tom Roberts, CEO, Rhys and Associates, April 4.
  • Kris Chapman, lead singer of Juvenile Characteristics, April 5.
  • John Cox, president of Youngstown Playhouse Board of Directors, April 6.
  • Jim Fogarty, principal of 2 Ticks & The Dog Productions, April 11.
  • Jim Bombeck, executive director of Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce, April 12.

“Sweeney Todd,” is a macabre show that is renowned for its score. It made its Broadway debut in 1979 and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The cast of the ACTS production is led by Tom Perman as Sweeney Todd and Sara Campbell as Mrs. Lovett. The ensemble includes Melina Liszka, Kory Frederick, Alan Anderson, Drew Ference, Thomas Morelli, Brian Shumaker, Amy Javens, John Woge, Noah Gatto, Ryan Bedi, Analia Boyd, Gerri Jenkins, Madison Lazor, Jeanne Patterson, Susan Piccirilli, Cole Plotner, David Reeher, Christina Russo, Jen Stephenson, Miranda Woge, Susan Woge and Jack Dolinger. Joe Spurio is the musical director. 

Pictured at top: Sara Campbell and Tom Perman star in ACTS’ production of “Sweeney Todd.”