Great Lakes Theater Debuts Sweeney Todd in Cleveland

The production brings a steampunk-inspired take on the musical to the Hanna Theatre this fall.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Children’s Theater

Bold vector editorial illustration of interconnected brass gears and pipes against a dark background, evoking the steampunk aesthetic of the theatrical production. — Great Lakes Theater has launched its steampunk-inspired production of Sweeney Todd at the Hanna Theatre as part of the Kulas Musical Theater Series. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Great Lakes Theater has launched its staging of Sweeney Todd as part of the 2026-27 Kulas Musical Theater Series at the Hanna Theatre in Cleveland. This iteration of the show, which originated at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, features a distinct steampunk aesthetic.

Why it matters

The transfer from the Idaho Shakespeare Festival allows Cleveland audiences to experience a unique, atmospheric reimagining of the classic musical. Its run at Playhouse Square continues the theater company's ongoing commitment to high-production value performances for the community.

Tickets for the production currently range from $23 to $115. The show is being presented as part of the 2026-27 Kulas Musical Theater Series.

The players

Great Lakes Theater

This is a prominent regional theater company based in Cleveland that produces a wide range of classical and contemporary works.

Mark Bedard

He is a professional actor who takes on the lead role of Sweeney Todd in this regional production.

Jillian Kates

She is a professional actor cast in the role of Mrs. Lovett for the duration of the current run.

The details

The production utilizes an intimate staging where performers enter through the aisles to engage the audience. The set design incorporates metallic textures and whirring gears to define the steampunk aesthetic.

The Idaho Shakespeare Festival produced the show in Summer 2026.
The Great Lakes Theater production opened in October 2026.
The production concludes its run on November 8, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This production follows a pattern set by the Idaho Shakespeare Festival's regional theatrical season by transferring the established cast and crew directly to the Hanna Theatre. Such collaborations represent a broader shift toward resource sharing among major regional playhouses to optimize production costs.

Theatergoers can secure seats for the show at the Hanna Theatre through the box office with prices starting at $23. The intimate staging of the production ensures that audience members may interact with performers as they utilize the aisles during the show.

The takeaway

The transfer of this production highlights the importance of artistic collaboration in keeping high-quality theater accessible to local audiences. Attendees should prepare for an immersive experience by being mindful of the unique aisle-based staging used throughout the theater.