INTERVIEW: Stephen Tewksbury looks back at his time in ‘Sweeney Todd’
Photo: Sweeney Todd features Stephen Tewksbury in the ensemble and as Mr. Fogg. Photo courtesy of Curtis & Cort Photography / Provided by Print Shop PR with permission.
Sweeney Todd, the beloved Stephen Sondheim musical, has been playing to sold-out audiences for more than a year at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on 46th Street. The current demon barber of Fleet Street is Aaron Tveit, and Mrs. Lovett is portrayed by Sutton Foster — both Broadway royalty. They took over for Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford earlier this year.
One person who has been there for all of the cast changes is Stephen Tewksbury, a member of the ensemble who plays Mr. Fogg. He loves this particular musical and has bittersweet feelings now that the journey is coming to a close. Sweeney Todd will play its final performance Sunday, May 5, offering the actor a chance to reflect on this professional experience and his many, many performances.
Recently Tewksbury exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to talk all things Sweeney Todd. He has appeared on Broadway in Miss Saigon, The Phantom of the Opera and Kinky Boots. He also has experience with Sweeney Todd, having performed the title role at the Geva Theatre. Other credits include Beauty and the Beast, Oliver and Phantom Spectacular. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How has your Sweeney Todd journey been this past year?
My Sweeney Todd experience has been a full one. Singing this score, with this cast, taught by Alex Lacamoire, working with Stephen Hoggett, Tommy Kail and the entire production team has been a dream.
Are you sad that the journey is coming to an end in a few weeks?
I am sad not to see my co-workers on a daily basis and will of course miss the paycheck, but I like the fact we are shutting down on a high note!
What do you like about the character of Mr. Fogg?
Fogg is fun for me because that scene launches the show into “City on Fire,” and it’s a whirlwind of action to the end. It’s fun to be the one Johanna shoots. Finally, one of these creepy men doing horrible things is taken out!
Is it easy to buy into the genius of Stephen Sondheim? Are these songs exquisite?
It is incredibly easy to buy into the genius of Stephen Sondheim. I am still hearing lyrics and orchestrations that I have never heard before, and we are a year in. I sat in the pit for the entirety of the show last summer, and it was one of my favorite experiences I’ve ever had in this business.
Are you generally a fan of horror-themed stories? Do you like things that go bump in the night?
I am not a fan of horror at all. I love a good thriller, however. Jump scares are not for me. I closed my eyes throughout the entirety of IT.
Looking back on your roles in The Phantom of the Opera, does that show and those many years of performances stand out?
I have had 20 separate contracts with The Phantom of the Opera spanning 22 years of my life. It will always stand out as a special show for me.
What’s next for you after Sweeney’s closing?
I am going back to my summer stock beginnings and doing Dennis in Rock of Ages at Forrestburgh Playhouse.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Sweeney Todd, featuring Stephen Tewksbury, continues through Sunday, May 5, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. Click here for more information and tickets.
