While Patti LuPone is on vacation, Judy Kaye will hawk the worst pies in London as Sweeney Todd's tuba-playing Mrs. Lovett.
Tony Award-winner Kaye will step into the role for eight performances from June 20th through 25th. Sweeney Todd was recently named Best Musical Revival by the Outer Critics Circle and Drama League, and received a special New York Drama Critics Circle Award. The production is nominated for 6 Tony Awards and 9 Drama Desk Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Actor (Michael Cerveris), Best Actress (LuPone), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Manoel Felciano) and Best Director (John Doyle).Produced by Thomas Viertel, Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and the Ambassador Theatre Group, Adam Kenwright & Tulchin/Bartner/Bagert, Sweeney Todd opened on Thursday, November 3, 2005, at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49 Street). the show centers on a barber who seeks revenge upon the man who defiled his wife and stole his daughter. Sweeney hides his crimes with the help of the crafty Mrs. Lovett. The high-concept production, originally a London hit, is helmed and designed by Doyle, who staged the show with the performers playing instruments, as well as wit such accoutrements as nine chairs, a ladder and a white coffin.Videos