CMU School of Drama


Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Sweeney Todd Serves Up Meat Pies in Immersive Theater

Theme Park University: It’s been a while since we have covered any immersive theater projects here at TPU. Today I wanted to give you a heads up on a really cool project headed to New York City. An all new production of Sweeney Todd is headed from London and you won’t believe what you get to eat!

2 comments:

Annie Scheuermann said...

Wow, very interesting idea. Thinking about it, it does seem like a great way to add to the immersive theater, but I don't know how I would do as an audience member. The first time I saw Sweeney Todd I was eight, and had no idea what I was getting into, didn't really follow the story line because I was just scared the entire time. Now I have an appreciation for the show, I've listened to the sound track a few times and enjoyed the music, and while I'm too scared to watch the movie, I'm sure Johnny Depp does great. I have always been a fan of immersive theater because it turns into more of an experience, I think this would be most appropriate around Halloween time. If this was the first time someone was going to a theater event and didn't know about Sweeney Todd as a musical I think it could be enjoyable and thrilling, but not a good insight into traditional theater. It seemed that the concept has worked as they had a sold out run at one pie shop already. I hope the pies are good, but I just really wouldn't want to be in the audience for this - working on this, on the other hand, could be quiet fun.

Tahirah Agbamuche said...


It is about time this was thought about! When I attend a show, I always get hungry when there is a food scene on stage. Now, this is a different matter when the show is Sweeney Todd. By this time, we are aware what is in the pies. I think it might have the opposite effect on the audience and slightly horrific. I do think this would be a great idea for other, lighter shows where suggestion of being a cannibal might not be appealing to some. An interesting thought would be selling pies before the show in the lobby. Dinner before the show. I am really interested to see how this run turns out. I wonder if there will be a place where audience can offer feedback. I would like to see more immersive theatre, as really feeling apart of a show plot is one of my favorite feelings. Nothing beats feeling like you are apart of the action.