A less macabre Sweeney Todd hits the stage with Montana Opera

Nestled in the hustle-and-bustle of downtown Bozeman, the Ellen Theater sits in stark contrast to the surrounding buildings. Adorned with ornate architectural details and a classic theater marquee, the Ellen —  originally opened in 1911 — is known in Bozeman as a timeless home for the performing arts. 

This especially rang true on Sunday, Feb. 2 when the Montana Opera staged its second performance in a six-show run of the classic Steven Sondheim musical, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

Opera Montana — previously known as Intermountain Opera Bozeman — was established in 1978 and is a nonprofit organization that aims to enrich and inspire the Bozeman community through musical theater engagements. The “Sweeney Todd” production, part of Opera Montana’s 2024-2025 season, was staged in the historic halls of the Ellen. 

The original stage play was written in 1973 by British playwright Christopher Bond and was adapted into a musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler in 1979. The tale follows Sweeney Todd — formerly known as Benjamin Barker — after his escape from an Australian penal colony where he was given a life sentence. 15 years later, Todd has made his way back to London, only to find his old life — the one he dreamed of returning to — forever changed.   

“I used to think [Sweeney Todd] was in the horror genre, seeing as it is about a demonic barber who, along with Mrs. Lovett, turns people into meat pies,” Conductor and Artistic Director for Opera Montana Michael Sakir said. “I was wrong, it's not just horror. It is a revenge tragedy.” 

“It is about a disenfranchised individual who has been wronged by society and can no longer turn to systems in place, whether it’s government or religion, to help him,” Sakir said. “He takes justice into his own hands and as he is trying to right what has been done to him, the body count grows.” 

Sakir has worked with Opera Montana since 2020. With each production, Sakir has had a role in casting, programming, budgeting and administration.

“The most rewarding [part] is seeing the impact we have on the audience,” Sakir said. “During the show, [the audience] was so into it — it was like a Rocky Horror Picture Show. And just afterward, to see people’s faces, just so giddy — like they just got off a rollercoaster.”

“I wish that it wasn't as relevant as it is becoming,” Sakir continued. “But, increasingly, people in this country are feeling disenfranchised. Feeling like they need to take justice into their own hands, so that's scary. There's possibly a little Sweeney Todd in us all.”

Despite the show depicting intense, disturbing content, the cast made it a priority to focus on the humor. 

“From the beginning, [Director Benjamin Wayne Smith] was committed to how we all related to each other and to having a good time,” cast member Quinn Bernegger said. “He really set the tone for that. This production can get dark under context, but ultimately, all of us were less interested in the horror and grotesque elements of it. Some productions, that's all they see and just go with that. We're more interested in the character journeys, the fun of it.” 

Bernegger, who plays the role of Anthony Hope, explained how his character is antithetical to Todd. 

“Some of these names are very coded,” he said. “[Sweeney Todd] is a very dark subject matter, a lot of these characters have scars. But Anthony is the opposite of that. He represents hope, youthful, romantic, earnest energy — totally contrasting the dark, brutal spirit you see in Sweeney Todd.”

Bernegger explained why this contrast is important for the story, as the dichotomy is needed to frame the darkness.

“We're playing people,” said cast member Cristina María Castro, echoing Bernegger’s sentiment. “And we all have different aspects of ourselves that we bring out to the public. We might be someone else at home than when we are in public.”

María Castro appears as Johanna, the unknowing daughter of Todd. In the story, Johanna was taken as a ward by the malicious Judge Turpin, the man who sentenced Todd to the colonies. “[Johanna] is a victim of circumstance,” she said. “I think a lot of people treat this character as very naive, not with her own thoughts, not being able to act upon her impulses. What I’ve enjoyed is finding the grit behind her.” 

Opera Montana will be holding three more showings of “Sweeney Todd" from Feb. 6-9. MSU students who use promo code “Student” at checkout to receive a 50 percent discount. Student ID may be required at the door.

“Over 50 percent of our audience has been brand new attendees to Opera Montana, most of them are under 40 years old,” Sakir said. “MSU students who have come to see it, have loved it, I think this is the perfect type of show for a 20-something to come see.”

Tickets are $25-$65 regular price or $12.50-$32.50 for students with a promo code. Visit https://www.operamontana.org/show/sweeny-todd.