Who: Actors/Singers/Dancers aged 55+
Where: Center for Performing Arts, 3754 Pleasant Ave. Minneapolis
When: Monday, August 11 & Tuesday, August 12. Callbacks, Wednesday, August 13. 6:00–9:00pm
Rehearsal dates: August 18–September 26, M–F, 6–9:00pm, AND September 29–October 2, M–Th, 6–10:00pm
Performances: October 3–19, 2025
Performance Location: The Gremlin Theatre, 550 Vandalia, Annex Building, St. Paul
Stipend Paid: $500
SYNOPSIS:
Sweeney Todd explores complex themes of revenge, justice, power, dehumanization, and societal corruption, set against the backdrop of Victorian London, and uses musical styles like melodrama, Grand Guignol, and ballad opera.
Sweeney Todd also touches upon elements of love, desperation, and the dark underbelly of society. The musical ultimately serves as a chilling commentary on human nature, justice, and the consequences of unchecked power and societal neglect.
Character Descriptions
- Personality: A naive and youthful sailor, idealistic and romantic, but sometimes reckless.
- Role: He helps Sweeney return to London and falls for Johanna.
Personality: A pompous public official who is deeply loyal to Judge Turpin.
- Personality: A young, innocent girl yearning for freedom. She is Judge Turpin’s ward and Sweeney’s daughter.
- Personality: A corrupt and lecherous public official who portrays himself as sanctimonious.
- Role: He is responsible for Sweeney’s imprisonment and is obsessed with Johanna.
- Personality: An entrepreneurial and amoral woman who is resourceful, ambitious, and charismatic. She possesses a dark sense of humor and great comedic timing.
- Relationship with Sweeney: She falls in love with Sweeney and turns his desire for revenge into a profitable business venture by baking his victims into meat pies.
- Motivation: Driven by survival and a desperate hope for a family with Sweeney.
- Vocal Range: E5 to G3 according to The Ovation Theatre.
- Backstory:Formerly a respectable barber and family man named Benjamin Barker, he was unjustly imprisoned by Judge Turpin, who lusted after his wife, Lucy.
- Motivation:Driven by a burning desire for revenge, Sweeney seeks to right the wrongs committed against him and his family.
- Personality:He is brooding, imposing, and hardened by his past. While capable of charm, he is prone to fits of rage when his desire for revenge is triggered.
- Relationship with Mrs. Lovett:He uses her pie shop as a means to an end, initially unaware of her affections for him.
- Relationship with Johanna:He is unaware that Johanna, the ward of Judge Turpin, is his long-lost daughter.
- Vocal Range: Gb4 to F2 according to The Ovation Theatre.
Audition Materials Available Here:
1) Anthony
2) Beadle/Pirelli
3) Beggar Woman (misspelled Begger Woman)
4) Ensemble
5) Johanna
6) Judge
7) Lovett
8) Sweeney
9) Toby
Prepare a song from the list for auditions. Please bring a photo of any type and an acting resume if you have one. Dress comfortably for movement. Plan to arrive 10 minutes before your audition time.
Important Information/FAQs:
Do I have to be a certain age to be cast?
Theatre 55’s mission is to create opportunities for actors and performers 55 and over to participate in the artistic experience. We limit our casts to those over 55 years as possible. If you are close to that age, and wish to participate, please contact us before auditioning at [email protected]
What if I want a certain part or role?
Please let us know on the audition form.
How many people will be cast?
We are looking for at least 15 performers.
Is it paid?
There will be a small stipend.
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“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.”
