Dubai locals invited to join Sweeney Todd musical

Spotlight Academy at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre is returning in April 2013 to present Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, and want local people to be involved. Director Joseph Fowler said: “We held open auditions in November and found some absolutely fantastic performers who I’m really excited about working with when we start rehearsals in March. However, a show like Sweeney Todd requires a real mix of characters. With this in mind, we’ve decided to hold some extra auditions in January so that anyone who didn’t get a chance to perform for us the first time around has the chance to show us their talent.” Spotlight Academy has become known for producing acclaimed new versions of classic musicals that combine the talents of the very best UAE-based performers with professional musical theatre stars from around the globe. First performed on Broadway in 1979, Sweeney Todd is a rare example of a musical thriller. Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous barbarism and culinary crime, tells the infamous tale of the unjustly exiled barber. Todd returns to 19th century London seeking revenge upon the evil judge Turpin who framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. His thirst for revenge expands to include his unfortunate customers, and the resourceful proprietress of the pie shop downstairs, Mrs. Lovett, who soon has the people of London lining up in droves with her mysterious new meat pie recipe. Film fans will be familiar with Tim Burton’s multi award-winning 2007 movie version starring Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd and Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs Lovett. For more information on the auditions please visit www.ductac.org or call 04 341 4777. Source: DUCTAC