Now that I’ve got you, there is a perfect musical playing at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Diablo Light Opera Company is currently offering, "Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street." This Stephen Sondheim sanguinary thriller is performed magically by a truly outstanding cast in one of the best productions of "Sweeney Todd" that I have ever seen. 12 years ago I had the good fortune to witness John Hetzler as the revengeful Sweeney Todd, and have never forgotten that performance. It has been the performance against which I have at least subliminally judged all others. Once again, Hetzler is back to reprise his role, and he is as good, if not better than ever.

He is accompanied by the brilliant acting of Michele Krapp in the role as Mrs. Lovett, the Machiavellian pie maker. Together they provide a depth of humor and horror hard to match anywhere. Krapp also brings a special crazy kind of charm and level of femininity to this production I’ve never seen before.

This blood curdling tale is infused with some incredible music, and even though people seem to be repelled by the concept, once they attend or see a production of the show, they are hooked and come back to see more. The acting, voices and direction are great. There are far too many talented people who deserve kudos for their performances, but I cannot close my review without as least mention Adam Elsberry, the young man, Tobias Ragg, who eventually helps in the bakeshop. He is exceptional and adds greatly to the production. Director Todd Ewing has changed the tempo and preciseness of the earlier show, but is still very powerful, exciting an should no be missed.