MEDICINE HAT FIREHALL

THEATRE SOCIETY

2012 presentation of

SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

A MUSICAL THRILLER

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book Written by Hugh Wheeler From an adaptation by

Christopher Bond

Through special arrangement with

Musical Theatre International (MTI)

Medicine Hat Firehall Theatre Message from the President

At this time, I am both honoured and priviledged to welcome you on behalf of the

Medicine Hat Firehall Theatre to this year’s production of “Sweeney Todd.”

Deb Hoefling and her crew have been working for months putting together this thought-provoking stage play for your enjoyment. My hat is off to the cast, the

volunteers, the crew, and all their families. It is because of the dedication, patience, and perseverance of people like these that we are able to enjoy such top-notch

entertainment right in our own city.

Thank you as well to you, the audience, for your continued patronage, because without you – there would be no show.

Now, as the lights dim, and the curtains open, we hope you appreciate the

show…perhaps with a pie or two! Brenda Garrioch

Medicine Hat Firehall Theatre

Board of Directors

Brenda Garrioch Allan Meier Derrick Ironside Tom Munro Myrna Ironside Dallas Janot Gerry Getz Lachlan Bell Danita Schick-Musfelt Dave Tongs Rose-Marie Meier Kevin VanDerKooy Medicine Hat Firehall Theatre believes that participation in arts activity is important for the social, emotional, aesthetic and creative growth of the individual in society. Our Board fosters and encourages greater understanding, appreciation, and practice of Theatre. We welcome the opportunity to sponsor amateur productions. Firehall Theatre encourages all Directors to bring their ideas for productions to the Board at any time. We are delighted to provide aspiring actors and directors an opportunity to bring their plays to the stage. We are proud to provide support to other theatre groups, churches, schools and semi-professionals by supplying props, sets, costumes, lights and technical expertise.

WARNING

Please be advised that strobe lights and mist (water vapour) will be used as special effects during the show. Due to copyright laws no recordings of any kind can be made of tonight’s performance. In consideration for the

audience and performers please turn off all cellular telephones.

Viewer discretion is advised, some scenes may contain violence.

Director’s Message

I fell in love with the story Sweeney Todd about 25 years ago when I saw it performed in Calgary. From that moment on I have dreamed of directing it. Well this year Firehall Theatre gave me my chance. We held auditions in May and had a splendid turn out. From then on the members of this company have been working their hearts out. The music of Stephen Sondheim is, to say the least, not easy. The cast has put in many hours of rehearsal and the crews have put in the hours of labour and I think it shows. I am very proud to have had a part in this production. I would like to thank Firehall Theatre and the cast and crew for trusting me enough to take this chance. I hope you all enjoy the many and varied talents of our cast and crew so please sit back and enjoy the show. Thank you Debi Hoefling The Production Team

Margaret McCulley Andrew Plait Debi Hoefling Sandra Craven

Synopsis

Set in 19th century London, England, Sweeney Todd is the tragic love story of reknowned barber, Benjamin Barker, and his beautiful wife, Lucy. Unfortunately for the two, Lucy caught the eye of Judge Turpin, a sadistic, lecherous individual who, through a cruel miscarriage of justice, sentenced Benjamin to prison in Australia. Fifteen years of confinement has created a monster bent on revenge, not solely for Turpin and his accomplice, the Beadle, but ultimately, all mankind. Insanity, born of hatred, created a new identity for Benjamin, that of Sweeney Todd! Returning to London, Todd opened his barbershop above the pie shop of the one Mrs. Lovett, a sinister and unscrupulous baker. It was a pact made in Hell! While Sweeney Todd wrought revenge on the male population of London, Mrs. Lovett ground, spiced, and baked the evidence into her much sought after meat pies!

Come, sample one of Mrs. Lovett’s pies…that is if you dare!!

Cast of Characters

Sweeney Todd Doug Frelick Mrs. Lovett Shannon English Johanna Kayla de Graff (Oct. 18 to 20) Sydney Baedke (Oct. 25 to 27) Judge Turpin Peter Leeming Anthony Joshua Edison Toby Sydney Frelick Pirelli Carolyn Freeman The Beadle Jason English Lucy Carol Whaley Company Angela Bygrave Glen Jamieson Greg Mclean

James Hastings Kierdon Dyck Lori Frelick

Moira Schultz Nicole Shupe Samantha Frelick Shelby Semeniak Simon Frelick Randy Hastings Phil Bygrave

Shea Wilks Josh Hopkins Jim Cunnings Bob Herring Darlene Dee

Cast of Characters

Sweeney Todd Mrs. Lovett

Doug Frelick Shannon English

Johanna Anthony Johanna

Sydney Baedke Joshua Edison Kayla De Graff

Cast of Characters (continued) The Beggar Judge

Pirelli Toby Beadle Woman Turpin

Carolyn Freeman Sydney Frelick Jason English Carol Whaley Peter Leeming

The Company

ACT ONE The Ballad of Sweeney Todd…………………………………………………………….. Company No Place Like London.............................................................................. Sweeney Todd, Anthony, Beggar Woman The Worst Pies In London………………………………………………………………….Mrs. Lovett Poor Thing……………………………………………………………………………………………..Mrs. Lovett My Friends……………………………....................................................................Sweeney Todd, Mrs.Lovett Green Finch and Linnet Bird………….......................................................Johanna Ah, Miss……………………………….......................................................................Anthony, Johanna, Beggar Woman Johanna………………………………........................................................................Anthony Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir……………………………................................................Toby, Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett, Company The Contest……………………………………………………….…………………………………….Pirelli Ballad of Sweeney Todd……………………………………………………………………..Company Wait…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Mrs. Lovett The Ballad of Sweeney Todd……………………………………………………………..Company Kiss Me (Part I)……………………………………………………………………………………….Johanna, Anthony Ladies In Their Sensitivities……………………………………………………………….The Beadle Kiss Me (Part II)………………………………………………………………………………………The Beadle, Johanna, Anthony, Judge Turpin Pretty Women (Part I & Part II)………………………………………....................Sweeney Todd, ,Judge Turpin Epiphany…………………………………………………………………………………………………Sweeney Todd A Little Priest…………………………………………………………………………………………Sweeney Todd, Mrs.Lovett

ACT TWO God, That’s Good…………………………………………………………………………………..Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd, Company Johanna……………………………………………..........................................................Anthony, Sweeney Todd, Johanna, Beggar Woman By The Sea (Part I & Part II)……………………………………………………………….Mrs. Lovett Wigmaker (Part I & Part II)……………………………….....................................Sweeney Todd, Anthony Not While I’m Around…………………………………….........................................Toby, Mrs. Lovett Fogg’s Asylum…………………………………………….............................................Company City On Fire/ Searching……………………………………......................................Johanna, Anthony, Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett, Beggar Woman, Company Judge’s Return………………………………………………………………………………………..Sweeney Todd, Judge Turpin Final Scene (Part I & Part II)……………………………………………………………….Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett, Toby The Ballad of Sweeney Todd……………………………....................................Company

Production Team Set Construction

Derrick Ironside Stewart Kennedy Ken Appleton

Props, Set Decoration Lighting

Shauna Pringle Shirley Carra

Production Team (continued)

Hair Makeup

Erin Taylor Lona Meyer Frankie Undseth Angela Stubbs Bob Gehring Deb Deans

Cast & Crew

Production Team

Director Debi Hoefling Music Director Andrew Plait Stage Manager Margaret McCulley Production Manager Sandra Craven Darlene Keeler Set Construction Ken Appleton Derrick Ironside Stewart Kennedy Bill Pringle Costumes Committee Properties Shauna Pringle Lynn Snowden Bernice Feintiman Brian Snowden Bill Pringle Steve Welling Make Up Bob Gehring Angela Stubbs Debbie Deans Hair Design Elite Hair Group Lighting Shirely Carra Sound Ron D’Ippolito Josh Krause Paul Frances Rehearsal Pianist & Chris White Ensemble Vocal Coach Posters & Handbills Andrea Denton Announcer Wayne Craven Photography Joan Kennedy Program Melanie Keeler

Acknowledgements

The Board of Directors of Medicine Hat Firehall Theatre Society gratefully

acknowledges the support of local merchants and the many individuals who contribute in any way to the success of this production or to our organization as a whole. These

efforts are most sincerely appreciated. Any omissions from the following list are genuinely regretted and the contribution no less appreciated.

All Saints Anglican Church Benchmark Geomatics Inc.

Chris White Joan Kennedy

Andrea Denton Chris Brown with the Medicine Hat News

Rock 105.3 The Medicine Hat Shopper, Hat Cable 10

CopyWorks, Smart.e.Prints Brent Deuling

Dorothy Carlyle Patricia Swan

Royal Conservatory of Music Joanne Birtz of Century 21 Doris & Chris Evangelos

McGuffy’s News, Bow Island Commentator Ron and Dawn Blackmer

Respiratory Home Care Solutions Inc. Falcon Contracting

Innovative Renovations Mr. & Mrs. Baedke

Mall Hair CakeBreak, Redcliff Bakery

St. Michael’s School

Upcoming Productions

Medicine Hat Musical Theatre presents… “Grease”

November 16-21, 2012 Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre

Medicine Hat High School presents…

“The Neverending Story” November 27-December 1, 2012

Medicine Hat High School

Hometown Acting Studio presents… “Legally Blonde”

December 5-9, 2012 Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre

Monsignor McCoy High School presents…

“Into the Woods” TBA

Thesbos presents…

“Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog” Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre

Crescent Heights High School presents…

“Sherlock Holmes’ Great Grandson Comedy Play” November 27 – 30, 2012

Crescent Heights High School

Crescent Heights High School presents… “Guys and Dolls”

February 6 – 15, 2013 Crescent Heights High School

Medicine Hat Firehall Theatre presents… “Arsenic and Old Lace” April 4-6 & 12 & 13, 2013

Medicine Hat Lodge