Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a
macabre tragicomedy based on the legend of a half-mad 19th century
English barber. He is driven to crime when his wife and child
are taken from him by an evil judge. Unjustly imprisoned, Todd
eventually escapes and vows to bring justice not only to the
judge who destroyed his life, but to all the people of
London. To this end, he forms a partnership with Mrs. Lovett,
an enterprising barmistress whose meat pies soon become the tastiest
in London!
This tale of vengeance and murder features a top-notch score
by Stephen Sondheim, one of the musical theatre's most brilliant
composers. The "Ballad of Sweeney Todd" which opens
both acts is based in the "Dies Irae," the Roman Catholic
mass for the dead. Hugh Wheeler's libretto is based on a play
by Christopher Bond.
Sweeney Todd opened at the Uris Theatre on March 1,
1979. Although the show only ran for 557 performances, it went
on to win 8 Tony Awards including "Best Musical." The
original cast featured Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett and Len
Cariou as Sweeney Todd.
|