This weekend, Iowa State University and the Ames community had the privilege of being dazzled by the talent of the ISU theater and music departments’ production of “Sweeney Todd.” This production had a special place in my heart, as I was the concert master for the pit orchestra. Perhaps it is this attachment that made me completely appalled by the sub-par quality of the performance review published in the Iowa State Daily.

I think we can all agree the title character is important to the show, and that this show is special to Chris Ebke, i.e., Sweeney. However, I cannot imagine anyone who is not an avid theater-goer would be enticed to attend this marvelous production on the basis of that review. The review does not ensnare the reader with the dynamics of the plot, whose undertones are truly to die for. The other characters are simply ignored without a care to the actors — who have worked so incredibly hard — or the depth of the characters. Supporting elements to the production, such as the pit orchestra, tech crew and costume designers, were left in the dust as though their contributions meant nothing to the production. More importantly, it lacks the luster and care of a legitimate review.

To those who were so cheated by David Wise’s review, know this: The ISU production of “Sweeney Todd” was one of the proudest accomplishments of the theater and music departments. It was a production that truly sucked you into the dark, twisted and sublime world of 19th century London.

You could find yourself amused by the hypocrisy of Mrs. Lovett, disturbed by the sexual deviance of the Judge and left speechless by the revenge of Sweeney Todd. This musical challenges our perceived boundaries of socially acceptable humor by managing to make cannibalism hilarious. And that, “my friends,” is why I hope you all attended “Sweeney Todd”: To find amusement from the unconventional which will leave you continuously at the edge of your seat.

Ryan Davidson is a junior in French education and English lit studies at Iowa State University.