playbill vip

"Sweeney Todd was the first musical, in their famous collaboration that Stephen Sondheim actually brought to Hal Prince. Together they changed the American Musical. It is why I thought we might try it in Music School as a slight jolt for a new musical/theatre program. The material said he wrote it as a "...musical horror movie..."- not the contemporary kind. He meant the old-fashioned Dracula and Frankenstein kind - with spooky music that scared you and made you laugh...

And just in case you heard Sweeney was unusual, you're right. When I first directed a production of Sweeney my own mother said "Oh, that sounds like a horrible idea for a musical!" Then she saw it and said, "I think it's the best thing you've ever done." I had not done it. The story and score are like nothing else. As music lovers we hope you too will appreciate the beauty of Sondheim's music and the cleverness of his lyrics. Though challenging, it has been done in church basements and as Grand Opera. Our rendition is modest- the sets, costumes, and make-up are all made by untrained hands yet committed young artists and giving teachers. We hope to honor the work, engage you our audience and have some fun."

The late Travis L. Stockley, Musical Theatre Coordinator, UNCP

Fifteen years ago, I had the privelege to meet and befriend Travis Stockley. Travis was a veteran of stage and higher education. He joined UNCP in 2002 and was instrumental in establishing the Bachelor of Music program in Musical Theatre in 2005. Stockley won the Outer Critics Award for the best Off-Broadway musical production and the Joseph Jefferson Award for best director of a musical. We were incredibly fortunate to have him at UNCP. 

Travis was my introduction to musical theatre. I worked as his assistant for two years and benefited from his brillance and genius. Our first full production was "Sweeney Todd." I began as the stage manager and ended as a member of the ensemble. It was quite a journey. Like that first UNCP production, our show is modest, student and community produced by talented and passionate students, teachers, and families. I earnestly hope that our production honors the work of Stephen Sondheim and Travis Stockley. 

- Amy