DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — Many area theatergoers are familiar with the positive experience and great ticket value of seeing one of Wright State University Theatre's main-stage productions.

Some who would like a sample of the same experience in a smaller, but not necessarily lesser format, won't get it during WSU's basement offering of "Sweeney Todd," which closes Sunday, March 15. Only about 75 people can get in to each show.

Directed by Lee Merrill, who brings the experience of performing professionally in the same show, this vigorous production should satisfy those who have seen several "Sweeney Todds" or just their first.

Individual performances during the Saturday,

March 7, performance were effective. Tim Singleton was a somewhat subtle Sweeney whose vengeance burned most powerfully on the inside. Laura Lacara, by contrast, was an openly expressive Mrs. Lovett.

Others included Jerome Doerger as the disturbed and disturbing Judge Turpin, Kelly Pekar as the Beggar Woman, Jeff Newman as Tobias, and Valerie Reaper as Johanna.

But there was no overlooking the ensemble's energy, unity and ability to connect with the audience in snug Herbst Theatre, which was draped in burlap and fogged with Londonesque stage smoke, The Act 2 song "God, That's Good!", during which they reveled in cannibalistic delight over Mrs. Lovett's meat pies, lived up to its title due to their characterizations.

"Sweeney Todd" will be presented again at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday in the Creative Arts Center. Tickets are $10, go on sale 90 minutes before each show, and will probably sell out within 30 minutes. Call (937) 775-2500.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2377 or tmorris@Dayton

DailyNews.com.