COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — August 6, 2026 – Following the electric, sold-out success of last season’s Cabaret, Theatreworks Colorado Springs returns to the heights of musical storytelling with Stephen Sondheim’s macabre masterpiece, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. With performances beginning September 10, 2026, this production reunites the spirit of bold, immersive theatre with a "stripped down to the bleeding edge" reimagining that explores the razor-thin line between tragic hero and haunting villain. 

Set against the squalid, soot-stained backdrop of Victorian London—where corruption is a currency and injustice rots in the streets—Sweeney Todd follows a barber’s return from fifteen years of wrongful exile. Driven by a singular thirst for vengeance against the man who shattered his life, Todd finds an unlikely, depraved ally in the pie-shop owner Mrs. Lovett. Together, they serve up a chilling new reality for London, one that leaves the city forever changed. 

"We wanted to peel back the layers of artifice to find the raw, beating heart of this story," says director Michael Lluberes. "This isn't merely a horror tale; it’s a sprawling, human exploration of how a broken system can warp a soul. By plunging the audience directly into the grit and madness of Fleet Street, we’re creating an experience that feels immediate, haunting, and entirely unfiltered." 

Artistic Director Max Shulman sees this production as a natural successor to the company’s recent triumphs. "Audiences who were floored by the intensity of last season’s Cabaret will find that same spirit of artistic daring here, though perhaps with a sharper, darker edge," says Shulman. "Sondheim’s score is a labyrinth of emotional complexity. Michael’s vision leans into that urgency, reminding us that the cycles of violence are often fueled by a desperate need for justice. It is a story that is as evocative as it is provocative." 

Taking on the iconic title role is Shabazz Green, who brings a towering, haunting presence to the Demon Barber. 

"Playing Sweeney is about navigating the profound grief that lives beneath the rage," says Green. "He isn't a monster born of malice, but a man pushed to the brink by loss. I think audiences will be surprised by how deeply they feel for him, even as the story takes its most sinister turns." 

The production is anchored by a powerhouse creative team: director Michael Lluberes, music director Christy Vest, and choreographer Rosely Conz. Their collaborative vision brings a new, rhythmic life to the "macabre beauty" of Sondheim’s London, further sharpened by the tension of Brandon Bruce’s fight direction and the immersive soundscapes of Patrice Mondragon. This world is fully realized through the atmospheric scenic design of Eli Sherlock, the evocative costuming of Janice Benning Lacek, and the sharp, dramatic lighting of Kate Bashore. 

Performance Details: 

• Dates: September 10 – October 4, 2026 
• Location: Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater, Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS 
• Tickets: Available at entarts.org or by calling the Box Office at (719) 255-8181. 
• Special Note: UCCS students are always free with a valid student ID.

Press inquiries may be directed to: 
Elyce Gronseth Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, Ent Center for the Arts 
719-255-8365 egronset@uccs.edu 

About Theatreworks Colorado Springs 
Theatreworks Colorado Springs, based at the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS, is a professional theatre company committed to producing works that engage, challenge, and inspire audiences. With a robust season of diverse performances, Theatreworks connects the Colorado Springs community through the transformative power of live theatre. 

About the Ent Center for the Arts 
The Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS is a multi-venue arts complex that serves as a cultural hub for Colorado Springs. Home to Theatreworks, the Galleries of Contemporary Art (GOCA), and other artistic programs, the Ent Center fosters creativity and collaboration across disciplines, providing a space for artists and audiences to connect in meaningful ways.