There's nothing like a little murder and mayhem to spice up a symphony orchestra date.

        The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra targets a younger audience by all things off-stage — from billboards with catchy slogans to pre-show buffets. But across the river, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra targets a younger crowd on-stage by delivering fun and unique performances.

        Saturday's Kentucky Symphony performance of the dark musical comedy Sweeney Todd was a perfect example of how versatile and original orchestral performances can be. Music Director James Cassidy has consistently brought new programs to Northern Kentucky, and — judging from the full house — it's working. The theatrical cast was lead by of Broadway actor Thom Sesma as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. In 1997, Mr. Sesma earned praise for his performance as Sweeney Todd in the Rep St. Louis/Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park production.

        Set in Victorian England, Sweeney Todd tells the story of a barber wrongly accused by a shady judge. He escapes prison and — soon to be known as the Demon Barber — meets his future partner-in-crime, Mrs. Lovett. Together they plan revenge on the judge, but their plot spirals out of control and, one by one, patrons who come to Mr. Todd's shop for a shave become ingredients in Mrs. Lovett's meat pies.

        Under the stage direction of Terry LaBolt, the cast performed in front of, behind and all around the orchestra. At times, the actors interacted with orchestra members, asking them questions or teasing them.

        Mr. Sesma was excellent as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The veteran actor understands the complexities of his character and played the part with equal doses of passion, sensitivity, and power.

        The same for Barbara Marineau's portrayal of Mrs. Lovett, the pie-shop keeper who's fiddle player pie is a little “stringy.” It was hard not to think, when watching the two actors together, that this is about as good as it gets.

        The University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory was well represented by alums Scott Hunt (Tobias Ragg) and Thomas Sherwood (Judge Turpin); faculty member Patricia Linhart (beggar woman); and students Ashley Brown (Johanna Barker) and Mark Panuccio (Beadle Bamford).

        If Ms. Brown packs this much vocal punch in other performances, she should be joining Mr. Hunt on Broadway very soon.

        Altogether, this was an evening of most effective theater and music. The shouts of “bravo” and the minute long standing ovation said so.

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