The Vero Beach Theatre Guild is busy with works on stage and in the classroom this week. The celebrated Stephen Sondheim musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” opens Friday, Oct. 4, and runs through Oct. 20. The musical follows Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London set on revenge against a lecherous judge. The 1979 musical won eight Tony Awards and has remained a top grossing favorite among professional and amateur theaters throughout the country. The original production starred Len Cariou as Sweeney Todd and Angela Lansbury as the meat pie baking Mrs. Lovett, a favorite role for actresses. It’s a bit gory, a bit startling, but more than a bit of theatrical fun. Tickets run from $17.50 to $40. While “Sweeney Todd” is a fun way to get into the spooky Halloween season, the VBTG also is offering a “Halloween Makeup Mondays” class with professional makeup artist Robin Volsky. Lessons will give you tips, tricks and hacks on creating beasts, gore and more. Classes run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 7 to Oct. 28. It is designed for students 14 years and older. Cost is $60. There will also be an “Improvisation for Young Actors” with Michael Naffziger from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 5. This is designed for students 8 to 18 years. The cost is $20. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild is at 2020 San Juan Ave., Vero Beach. Call 772-562-8300 or visit
VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.
The Treasure Coast BBQ & Rock Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and Oct. 6, at the Indian River Fairgrounds, 7755 58th Ave., Vero Beach. Ten bands will play while festival goers enjoy the barbecued ribs and wings. Organizers promise “an epic weekend of live music, delicious food and fun activities for all ages.” Tickets begin at $10. Food and drink available for purchase. For more information, call 954-205-7813 or visit
TreasureCoastRibsWingsFestival.com.
Mavens of more serious music should enjoy “The Muse Duo: An Intimate Chamber Concert,” which begins 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. The duo includes guitarist Collin Holloway and pianist/composer Luke Benedict. The musicians met at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. They have recorded albums of neo-classical inspired compositions. “This talented pair have put together an incredible program for their concert at First Presbyterian,” says Jacob Craig, who heads the arts programming at the church. “Lovers of classical music will be gratified to know the art form continues to inspire composers of today.” Admission is free. The First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach is at 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach. For more information call 772-562-9088 or visit FirstPresVero.org.
The Best of the Best Annual Juried Exhibition runs Oct. 6 to Nov. 15 at the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery. The exhibition comprises works by amateur and professional fine artists. Works in the exhibition include oil, acrylic, watercolor, varied techniques and three-dimensional. An opening reception is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5, with $2 discounts for AARP and AAA members, plus veterans with IDs and those over 65 years of age. Admission is free to current museum members, students with ID, active-duty military personnel and children under 18 years of age. The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery is at 500 North Indian River Dr., Fort Pierce. For more information call 772-465-0630 or visit BackusMuseum.org.
“Get Your Pink On” is a Breast Cancer Awareness event scheduled for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Cleveland Clinic Scully Welsh, 3555 10th Court, Vero Beach. The event includes physician lectures, shopping, dancing, music and food. Free breast cancer risk assessments will be offered. Admission is free but preregistration is required. To register, call 772-226-4908 or visit
ClevelandClinic.org.
The Indian River County Historical Society has a couple of events planned this month at the Hallstrom House. First is the Autumn Tea running from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Cost is $45 per person. Next is the Midnight Dinner & A Ghost Hunt running from 7:30 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Oct. 19. Cost is $125 per person. The Hallstrom House is at 1723 Old Dixie Highway SW, Vero Beach. To make reservations, visit IRCHistorical.org.
