A Hangry Cast

Yet another afternoon packed full of delicious moments at OSMaD's Sweeney Todd rehearsal! Enthusiasm has been cooking away amongst the cast throughout our rehearsing of Act 1 which has bubbled over into the opening of Act 2- ' God that's good'.

Whilst the cast has been perfecting their 'hangry' looks (half hungry, hanlf angry) Mrs Lovett (Natasha Bassett), Sweeney Todd (Lee Threadgold) and Toby (Tim Phillips) are faced witht he challenge of providing for an ever-vocal and increasingly hostile rabble... This scene is definately not one ot be missed as the cast takes you thorugh a tasty recipe of unhuman behaviours. One thing's for sure- make sure you get your ticekts while they're hot!

Julia Bennett-Mitrovski
Ensemble

"More Hot Pies!!"

We all arrived at rehearsals at 7.30pm on Thursday evening and most of the cast were feeling tired, drained and generally a bit flat - the result busy week. We were to be setting the opening number to the Second Act, 'God That's Good', wherein Mrs. Lovett attracts a healthy business at her Pie Emporium with her new meat supplies.

Simplistically, this number would require the ensemble to plant themselves around a long, wooden table...and eat. But Chris wanted so much more than that.

Explaining to us his vision for the number, the excitement began to build. Tiredness was no longer an issue and, suddenly, the room was surging with energy.

We found ourselves in a great hubbub about the wonderful flavours of these meat pies, running and stumbling over one another to get our hands on one (despite the fact that there were no real pies in sight). Hungry and angry, or 'hangry' as we chose to call it, we were all shouting for more in a manic unison that frightened the life out of poor Tobias. Soon we were each experiencing our own piegasam, which sent us into frenzy once more.

Despite the fact that there were no pies on the table, you could almost smell the meaty scent and hear the crunch of the pastry between the teeth of the noisy crowd of hungry customers.

The  busy number just builds and builds to a crazy, energetic, roar of excitement which will hopefully leave you all, our audience, craving one of Lovett's specialties.

It was a great rehearsal - I'd even go so far as to say the best one yet! If you haven't bought tickets already, hop to it as it's  a show you won't want to miss!

Jen McKinnon
Ensemble

Welcome to Act II

The emetic cognoscenti of music theatre tend to accuse Sondheim of writing overly complex music and plots. The same has been charged of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street but shave back the periphery and a simple story of revenge shines through like the titular character's razors. Yes, I concede it is complex but who said complex can't be accessible; and OSMaD's upcoming production is shaping up to be a killer of a show!

This week saw rehearsing of act two begin with the number God That's Good. The scene came alive beginning with Toby's (Tim Phillips) recapitulation of the theme from Pirrelli's Miracle Elixir. Natasha Bassett follows as Mrs Lovett effortlessly moving through the scene; tying in the glutinous ensemble devouring their fellow Londoners and Todd (Lee Threadgold) setting up his new chair to make the dispatch of his wretched brethren even more efficient.

I can't wait to how the scene develops in this afternoon's rehearsal.

Timothy Oon

Ensemble

Ten performances only 14th - 29th of October. Tickets are available online: http://www.osmad.com.au/ or on 1300 642 941.

What a brilliant production of Sweeney Todd this is going to be! With the Dynamic Duo Chris & Ben at the helm and the amazingly talented cast, which I am so proud to be part of, it simply can not fail to be one of the shows (if not the show) of the year. Rehearsals are cracking on at a fine pace at this wonderful venue and are intense but incredibly satisfying. It's a privilege to see masters of direction at work. I can't wait for all the other layers to appear. The costumes from our fantastic costume team and the realistic sets and lighting, bringing all the scenes to life. Join us please in October to see a true work of art, as we tell our tale of Sweeney Todd... The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Richard Beveridge
Producer

First Run of Act 1!!!

Six weeks in and we've just had our first run of Act 1!

Being a company member of OSMaD's Sweeney Todd is truly an honour, and a treat. There is so much energy within the cast, production team and crew, and it is such a pleasure to work with everyone involved.

One of my favourite parts of the rehearsal process thus far is group warm-ups, which are always entertaining, and bring us together as an ensemble. Everyone gets into the spirit under the direction of Chris and Ben, we have a few laughs and relax. This enables us to then focus on the task at hand.

There is so much to remember and still a great deal to learn, but I'm looking forward to the challenges and fun times ahead. It will also be exciting to see the sets and costumes come to life as the weeks progress

Stay tuned for more updates from the Sweeney Todd team - we can't wait to see you in October!!!

Alicia Payne
Ensemble