Critics Applaud La Mirada’s ‘Sweeney Todd’ for Potent Leads and Design, Question Parts of Jason Alexander’s Staging

Overview

• The La Mirada Theatre production, directed by Jason Alexander, stars Will Swenson as Sweeney Todd and Lesli Margherita as Mrs. Lovett.
• Reviews from the Los Angeles Times and TheaterMania commend Swenson’s sympathetic, forceful portrayal and Margherita’s sharp comic presence and vocals.
• Paul Tate dePOO III’s expansive, compartmentalized set and Darryl Archibald’s robust orchestra draw consistent praise.
• Critics point to a madhouse framing device, altered corpse‑disposal mechanics, and anachronistic ensemble choreography as choices that muddy the tone.
• Both outlets note that the sound mix sometimes obscures Sondheim’s musical colors, even as they characterize the revival as ambitious and largely successful.