A theatre company in Brooklyn kicks off its summer season with a Steven Sondheim classic. The stage is set in a unique space that played a role in the nation's history. NY1's Roger Clark filed this report. 

Actor Hannah D. Scott sings as Mrs. Lovett, a baker who, with the help of a vengeful, murderous barber, wants to make pies out of people.

"It's a blessing as an actor to be able to play a part like this," said Scott. "But she's complex, really complex."

Scott stars in the Piper Theatre production of Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of fleet street. The backdrop is the Old Stone House, a 1930's replica of a farmhouse from 1699 located in Washington Park, the site of the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War.  

"It was also the home of the Brooklyn Baseball Club, which is the team that became the Dodgers, so we have this great story that's part of the continuum of Brooklyn history," said Kim Maier, Executive Director of The Old Stone House. 

7,000 students visit during the school year, but in July, it's all about theatre, and the Piper youth theatre company's workshops are underway, preparing for their own productions. Artistic Director John McEneny helped found the company 15 years ago with his sister in Yonkers. For the past 10 years their summer home has been here, with plenty of space for theatre lovers on a ballfield adjacent to the landmark.    

"I hope people will come and join us and buy a meat pie and a glass of wine and sit on this lawn in front of this very historic building," said McEneny.

Hannah D. Scott and Musical Director Mark Galinovsky let NY1's Roger Clark get in on the act. Clark said it was hard to act like a killer barber when he couldn't wipe the smile from his face.  But he said not to worry, he won't be on stage Thursday evening when the musical begins its nine-performance run. Added bonus. It's free. 

"People can keep coming back and back every night, they always see a different show every night," said Galinovsky.

To find out more about all of the Piper Theatre productions this summer at the Old Stone House, just head to their website at PiperTheatre.org.