Act Out Theatre Group is presenting “Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Teen Edition” through May 17.

“Sweeney Todd is different from other shows I’ve been in because it is truly authentic. It shows real emotion and covers dark topics while also combining heavily with comedy,” said senior Lily Keefe, who plays Mrs. Lovett. “As an actor, it is challenging but super fun to play into these ideals through the characters.”

“I’m super excited to be completing a dream show of mine.”

Keefe, of Gouldsboro, alternates the role of Mrs. Lovett with Sammie Stella of Plains Township.

“Alternating roles is something we do regularly at Act Out,” said Dan Pittman of Plymouth, who is not only the show’s director but the owner of Act Out Theatre Group. “We believe it allows our workshop participants to get a well-rounded workshop experience, being featured in a larger role and learning challenging harmonies and intricate blocking in an ensemble.”

The harmonies aren’t the only challenging aspect of the show.

“I believe one of the most challenging aspects of Sweeney Todd (aside from the music) is the depth the show goes into,” said Corey Scott from Elmhurst. “There’s love and hate, life and death, and so much more. It feels too real at some points.”

Scott alternates the role of Anthony Hope with Chase Richmond of Throop. Along with Keefe, Stella, Scott, and Richmond, the cast includes ensemble members Lila Stefanski of Dunmore, Cady Tigue of South Abington and Mya Baltrusaitis of Scranton; Abby Havenstritie of Springbrook Township as Jonas Fogg; Lydia Hurst of Dunmore and Olivia Emmel of Springbrook Township as Aldolpho Pirelli; Cassie Wilson of Olyphant and Will Colwell of Scranton as Tobias Ragg; Liv Mitchell of Moosic and Raelinn Stefanski of Dunmore as The Beadle; Tommy Smith of Scranton as Judge Turpin; Vivian Santiago of Covington Township and Lizzie Rae of Archbald as Beggar Woman; Rachel Hitchcock of Archbald and Lola O’Neill of Waverly as Johanna; and Miguel Rodriguez of Moosic as the titular role of Sweeney Todd.

“Playing Sweeney Todd has been an honor. He is this dark, evil man, filled with revenge that you can sympathize with in a way,” Rodriguez said. “Being Sweeney Todd showed me how to be more realistic with my actions in theatre.”

At performances, you can buy personal fruit pies to enjoy during the show. To market the production, Pittman took Rodriguez, Stella, and Keefe to local barbershops and bakeries, including The Barbershop and Co. in Dickson City; Kasper’s Barbershop in Wyoming; Minooka Bakery in Moosic; and 3 Tiers Bakery in Scranton for a photo tour. Photos from those — and other stops — can be found on the theatre’s social media.

“We wanted to find a unique way to market this production to the community,” Pittman said. “We also looked at it as a way to get fun promotional shots as well as spotlight local businesses that are willing to open their doors in support. Two birds, one stone.”

Sweeney Todd runs on the Act Out stage in Taylor on weekends through May 17 with shows at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets in advance are $15 for adults, $10 for students/seniors. At the door, tickets are $18 and $12, respectively.

Sweeney Todd is a dark musical thriller characterized by intense, violent, and mature themes. Parental discretion is advised. All sales are final; there are no refunds or exchanges. Bring your order confirmation to serve as your ticket (on your phone is ok!). For information or with questions, email [email protected].

“When people come to see Sweeney Todd, people should expect some horror, some skepticism, and some investigative elements that lie within the deep meanings of the show,” Richmond said. “The most challenging aspect of the show is trying to adapt to my character as he has many different pathways that can ultimately lead to his true goal, even if the path is filled with risks.”

Act Out Theatre Group LLC is located at 802 S. Main St. in Taylor. Tickets can be purchased at actouttheatre.com.