Tallahassee actor slices into bucket list role with Sweeney Todd
Actor Ken Lambert’s Sweeney Todd is deranged, unhinged, and highly entertaining in the latest masterpiece by the Monticello Opera House.
"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" runs through June 2 in Monticello.
Bloody revenge
REVENGE! The word alone elicits a sense of mischief and madness. Civilization has been built by moments of revenge imposed in the name of love — love of country, love of God, or, more intimately, love of another. What would you do if any of those were threatened?
To what lengths would you go to seek revenge on those who designed your demise? Is there any return to yourself once you finally snap? The character of Sweeney Todd in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" iconically embodies these questions and explores the bloody ramifications of giving in to revenge.
Thus, it takes a practiced and disciplined actor to take on the role of ‘Sweeney’ in Stephen Sondheim’s 11th Broadway production of 21 across eight decades. Ken Lambert, a trained opera singer and local actor, has waited years to play this bucket list role and believes now is the perfect time.
“I’ve wanted to play ‘Sweeney’ since I saw it performed in the area a few years ago,” says Lambert. “The last few roles I have done were light and comedic. The role of ‘Sweeney’ is a great contrast to those roles, as is the music.”
The music in Sweeney Todd teases the audience, as does the story as it follows Mr. Todd’s hits and near misses in search of the elixir to his pain. Lambert jokes, “My grandaddy used to say, ‘There’s a homicidal sociopath in all of us waiting to come out and exact vengeance on them what wronged us’. It was either that or ‘If you’re happy, I’m tickled to death’. One of those two.”
This ability to see both sides of the coin is what radiates from the stage when Lambert delves into the role of the troubled and devoted character of Sweeney Todd.
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A pivot supports a passion
In 1985, Lambert moved to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University’s School of Music. Four years later, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus on singing. He was a regular in the FSU operas, even snagging a short aria of his own in his time there.
As a military brat, he grew up in various places on the East Coast. Once he found Tallahassee, he found home. “The hills and cooler winters reminded me of northern Virginia, which was my favorite place we lived growing up,” Lambert said.
After FSU, he pivoted from art to medicine, ultimately gaining a nursing license. Although his original goal was to use his nursing as a way to support his artistry, he soon discovered an unexpected joy in delivering babies that led to a lifelong career. He worked in the labor and delivery unit at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Over time, he Ieft patient care to work in healthcare Information and Technology, which he currently does for Capital Health Plan.
Still, he never lost his love of the stage. Throughout his time in Tallahassee, he continued to perform and learned from the talented actors and directors he encountered throughout his artistic journey. Along the way, he shared his love of music with his wife and two sons.
His older son can be seen playing in the pit for a show his father is in, while his second son has been an active member of the Marching Chiefs for the last four years.
He’s worked with Theatre Tallahassee, Quincy Music Theatre, and the Monticello Opera House, playing iconic roles including Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof," Bruce in "Fun Home," and most recently Fredrick in "Young Frankenstein. To connect with these characters, Lambert explores how his life experiences relate to the play’s situations.
“I imagine a scenario that would affect me the same way,” Lambert said. He asks, “What emotions would that invoke?” This approach to Sweeney’s demeanor became easier when he connected to his loss and embraced the gruesome. The job of the actor is to serve as a vessel for the audience.
With his bellowing tenor and engaging presence, Lambert delivers a performance that connects each witness to their own gruesome nature when confronted with loss.
Monticello bleeds beauty
This May, the Monticello Opera House presents "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" with Lambert’s “Sweeney” at the helm, wielding his blades to greet his unsuspecting victims. “I have really enjoyed working with our director and show designer, Joel Daavid, and seeing his vision for the show,” Lambert said. ”It’s going to be visually stunning.”
The Monticello Opera House exudes a bit of mystery and helps to set the ambiance for the show.
Daavid’s vision does not shy away from the gruesome and leans on the music to lead the way. Lambert feels guided by the music in conveying stronger emotions of regret, helplessness, and the nuances of anger.
Lambert is excited to take on such a powerful role that explores the idea that even if you win, the ending you want may not be the ending you get. Be sure to catch this eerie exploration of vengeance, love, and a lot of blood.
If you go
What: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
When: May 24-26 and May 31-June 2; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m.
Where: 185 West Washington St., Monticello
Cost: $27 per ticket; visit monticellooperahouse.org
Contact: 850-997-4242 | Director@MonticelloOperaHouse.org
Dr. Christy Rodriguez de Conte is the feature writer for the Council on Culture & Arts. COCA is the capital area’s umbrella agency for arts and culture (tallahasseearts.org).
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Ken Lambert slices into character for unhinged 'Demon Barber' role
