Sweeney Todd 1979 - Articles Page 13

Ages: 12+
Opened: March 1, 1979
Closing: June 29, 1980

Sweeney Todd - 1979 - Broadway History , Info & More

Uris Theatre
222 W. 51st St. New York, NY 10019

Based on a version of Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond

Stephen Sondheim’s haunting musical thriller has been hailed "the greatest musical of the past half-century” by the Wall Street Journal. Sophisticated and uncompromising, “Sweeney Todd” has a great sense of fun, mixing intense drama with howlingly funny moments of dark humor. You will find yourself laughing hysterically one moment and gasping in surprise the next.

Sweeney Todd - 1979 - Broadway Cast

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Sweeney Todd - 1979 - Broadway Articles Page 13

Stephen Sondheim & Wynton Marsalis Collaboration, A BED AND A CHAIR: A NEW YORK LOVE AFFAIR to Play City Center in November
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 15, 2013


Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis will collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Affair, a new musical event featuring Sondheim's music arranged and performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. This Encores! Special Event, directed by frequent Sondheim collaborator John Doyle, with choreography by Parker Esse and musical supervision by David Loud, was conceived by Peter Gethers, Jack Viertel and John Doyle, and will run for seven performances, November 13 - 17 at City Center.

More Names for Reisopera SWEENEY TODD: Nicoll and Lada
by Dutch Reporter - Aug 6, 2013


BroadwayWorld just learned that Harry Nicoll will be playing 'Pirelli' in the 2014 Reisopera tour of SWEENEY TODD, while Krystian Lada will focus on the dramaturgy of the production.

PlayMakers Rep Presents SWEENEY TODD at Center for Dramatic Art, Now thru 7/21
by BWW News Desk - Jul 17, 2013


A cast of young student actors will perform Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' tonight, July 17-21 at the Center for Dramatic Art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Bryn Terfel to Lead Lonny Price-Helmed SWEENEY TODD Concert at New York Philharmonic; Runs 3/5-8
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 8, 2013


The New York Philharmonic will present a staged production of Stephen Sondheim's Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning musical thriller Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, March 5-8, 2014. Bass-baritone Bryn Terfel will star as the title character. Sweeney Todd will be conducted by Music Director Alan Gilbert and directed by Lonny Price, who directed and produced the Philharmonic's productions of Sondheim's Company in 2011, SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert! in 2010, and Sweeney Todd in 2000. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

BWW Reviews: Stage Door, Inc.'s SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET is Exciting and Fascinating
by David Clarke - Jul 8, 2013


If you are alive and well in Houston, you know that audiences were able to pick from three different productions of Stephen Sondheim's infamous SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF STREET FLEET last weekend. Two of those productions even share the same opening and closing dates. Luckily for Houston audiences, each version of SWEENEY TODD being produced is distinctly different and unique, giving ample reason for local audiences to venture out and experience each one. Pasadena's Stage Door, Inc.'s SWEENY TODD adds the Steampunk aesthetic to the classic musical, giving the production an intriguing facelift that doesn't interfere in any way with the storytelling.

BWW Reviews: Generations, A Theatre Company's SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET is Captivating and Unforgettable
by Kristina Nungaray - Jul 8, 2013


It has been one of the most anticipated productions of the summer, and the demon barber of Fleet Street has finally arrived in Houston. Generations, A Theatre Company is known for its outstanding summer musical productions, and with every production they continue set the bar higher for the year to come. This summer, their production of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET fully exceeds all expectations and blows us away with dazzling and beautiful performances. From start to finish, audiences are taken on a wild ride of revenge, love, and betrayal.

Generations, A Theatre Company's SWEENEY TODD to Slay the Stage, Begin. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jul 5, 2013


Generations, A Theatre Company's 5th Season features a re-imagining of one of the American Theatre's greatest masterpieces, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim -Libretto by Hugh Wheeler - based on the play by Christopher Bond. Since it first debuted on Broadway in 1979 this garish 'musical thriller' has delighted audiences all over the world. Generations' Artistic Director George Brock promises that the show, produced in association with Rice University's Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts and opening tonight, July 5th, 2013 at Hamman Hall, will offer a different look at this timeless tale of obsession and revenge.

Generations, A Theatre Company's SWEENEY TODD to Slay the Stage, 7/5-28
by BWW News Desk - Jun 15, 2013


Generations, A Theatre Company's 5th Season features a re-imagining of one of the American Theatre's greatest masterpieces, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim -Libretto by Hugh Wheeler - based on the play by Christopher Bond. Since it first debuted on Broadway in 1979 this garish 'musical thriller' has delighted audiences all over the world. Generations' Artistic Director George Brock promises that the show, produced in association with Rice University's Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts and opening July 5th, 2013 at Hamman Hall, will offer a different look at this timeless tale of obsession and revenge.

Nationale Reisopera To Present SWEENEY TODD in 2014
by Dutch Reporter - Jun 12, 2013


De Nationale Reisopera, a Dutch opera company dedicated to operatic productions that tour the Netherlands, will present Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD in 2014.

PlayMakers Rep to Present SWEENEY TODD at Center for Dramatic Art, 7/17-21
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 5, 2013


A cast of young student actors will perform Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" July 17-21 at the Center for Dramatic Art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Stephen Sondheim & Wynton Marsalis to Collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR Concert at New York City Center, Nov. 13-17
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 18, 2013


Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis will collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Story, a new musical event featuring Sondheim's music arranged and performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, announced Arlene Shuler, President & CEO of New York City Center. This Encores! Special Event, directed by frequent Sondheim collaborator John Doyle, and conceived by Peter Gethers, Jack Viertel and John Doyle, will run for seven performances, November 13 - 17 at City Center. City Center's annual Gala Benefit will take place on Thursday, November 14 and will include a post-performance dinner at the Plaza Hotel.

BWW Reviews: Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista Offers Magnificent SWEENEY TODD
by Don Grigware - Sep 25, 2012


Hard to believe, but Sweeney Todd first bowed on Broadway in late 1979 and I was in New York to witness the brilliant achievement of Sondheim, Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou and the entire creative team. It is difficult to find just the right words to express how very much this show affected me when I first saw it. Unlike some, who were abhorred by the subject content, I was mesmerized by much more than the twisted tale of revenge, which did indeed appeal to my dark side. It was the unbelievable staging and brilliant score, which to this day, I believe to be Stephen Sondheim's finest work, which grabbed hold of me and blew me away. It is opera in its most grotesque hour, an overwhelming and overpowering experience. Moonlight Amphitheatre is presenting the masterwork now onstage in Vista through October 6. And there's something to be said for seeing this musical outdoors in the night air, it's even more eerie and chilling: especially if it's a spectacular endeavor, which it truly proves to be with new artistic director Steven Glaudini's clockwork staging, and the exceedingly brilliant work from every member of the top-notch ensemble.

Photo Flash: The Cast of Moonlight Stage's SWEENEY TODD
by BWW News Desk - Sep 24, 2012


Sweeney Todd, with Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Book by Hugh Wheeler, is directed by Steven Glaudini with musical direction and conducting by Elan McMahan at Moonlight Stage Productions' Moonlight Amphitheatre, now through October 6th. Check out a photo of the cast below!

Andrew Lloyd Webber Would Love to Collaborate with Stephen Sondheim
by BWW News Desk - Sep 22, 2012


According to a feature about the new UK arena touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar in the Sydney Morning Herald, Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals he would like to collaborate with Stephen Sondheim.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day 9/14- SWEENEY TODD
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 14, 2012


Today in 1989, the first Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd opened at the Circle inthe Square Theatre, where it ran for 188 performances. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a 1979 musical thriller with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and libretto by Hugh Wheeler. Set in 19th century England, the musical tells the story of Benjamin Barker, alias Sweeney Todd, who returns to London after 15 years' transportation on trumped-up charges. When he finds out that his wife poisoned herself after being raped by the judge who transported him, he vows revenge on the judge and, later, the whole world. He teams up with a piemaker, Mrs. Lovett, and opens a barbershop in which he slits the throats of customers and has them baked into pies.

Photo Coverage: Preview of Hilary Kole, Sarah Rice, and More at 54 Below
by Walter McBride - Aug 8, 2012


Just yesterday, 54 Below held a special press preview for its upcoming engagements, which included Tony Award nominee Chad Kimball (Memphis, The Civil War, Into the Woods), 2010 Bistro Award-winner Hilary Kole (Our Sinatra, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Rainbow Room), from "Sondheim Unplugged" Sarah Rice ('Johanna' in the original 1979 production of Sweeney Todd, The Fantasticks, A Little Night Music, Candide), compay members from Sing, Harlem, Sing! (created by Vy Higginsen and directed by Ken Wydro,). BroadwayWorld was there for the sneak peek and we bring you photos from the event below!

Kelrik Productions Presents SWEENEY TODD, Now thru 6/2
by BWW News Desk - May 18, 2012


Sweeney Todd, the Tony Award-winning musical, sails into Unity May 18 to June 2, 2012. Based on a version of Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, it's a tragicomic tale of murder, mayhem, and meat pies.

STAGE TUBE: Mitt Romney Gets SWEENEY TODD Treatment
by Nicole Rosky - May 16, 2012


With the 2012 election coming up in November, political parodies are everywhere, and it's about time that some gave the race a Broadway twist. In the video below, Roy Zimmerman puts a different spin on SWEENEY TODD with 'Romney Mitt, the Demon Barber of Wallstreet.'

Kelrik Productions Presents SWEENEY TODD, 5/18-6/2
by Kelsey Denette - May 15, 2012


Sweeney Todd, the Tony Award-winning musical, sails into Unity May 18 to June 2, 2012. Based on a version of Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, it's a tragicomic tale of murder, mayhem, and meat pies.

SWEENEY TODD Opens 'After Dark' at Kelrik Productions, 5/18
by BWW News Desk - Apr 29, 2012


Sweeney Todd, the Tony Award-winning musical, sails into Unity May 18 to June 2, 2012. Based on a version of Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, it's a tragicomic tale of murder, mayhem, and meat pies.

STAGE TUBE: Blast from the Past- The Original CHICAGO & SWEENEY TODD TV Commercials!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 12, 2012


Take a trip back to the 1970's with two vintage commericals from musical theatre favorites SWEENEY TODD and CHICAGO! Check out the original TV spots below!

Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy to Present SWEENEY TODD, ALADDIN, THEO AND THE MAGIC ROAD
by Harmony Wheeler - Apr 5, 2012


Lyric's Thelma Gaylord Academy presents its 2012 spring semester productions of SWEENEY TODD, SCHOOL EDITION performing April 26 through 28, DISNEY'S ALADDIN JR., performing May 4 and 5, and RoKademY's THEO AND THE MAGIC ROAD performing May 26 on the stage of Lyric's Plaza Theatre on 16th Street.

SOUND OFF: Sweeney Todd con Michael Ball e Imelda Staunton
by Fernando Solla Rosell - Apr 1, 2012


Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street sigue causando conmoción allí por donde pasa. Mundialmente reconocida como una de las obras maestras de Stephen Sondheim, este thriller musical protagonizado por el temible barbero y su fiel (y peligrosamente adorable) Mrs. Lovett está de doble enhorabuena. Al estreno, el pasado 20 de marzo, del nuevo montaje londinense de la pieza se suma el lanzamiento realizado por First Nights Records de la grabación del elenco original, que cada noche da vida (y muerte) a estos personajes que se mueven por las oscuras callejuelas de la ciudad del Támesis.

Grammy Winner Melissa Manchester Plays The Agua Caliente Resort on February 25
by BWW News Desk - Feb 25, 2012


Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester headlines at The Show at The Agua Caliente Resort and Casino on Saturday, February 25th at 8:00 pm. Although most widely known as a pop recording artist, Ms. Manchester is also an accomplished musical theatre artist having starred alongside Kelsey Grammer in the critically acclaimed Los Angeles production of Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece Sweeney Todd and in the world premiere of the musical Hats! in Chicago, for which she co-wrote several songs with Sarah Vaughn.

Grammy Winner Melissa Manchester Plays The Agua Caliente Resort on February 25
by David Green - Feb 22, 2012


Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester headlines at The Show at The Agua Caliente Resort and Casino on Saturday, February 25th at 8:00 pm. Although most widely known as a pop recording artist, Ms. Manchester is also an accomplished musical theatre artist having starred alongside Kelsey Grammer in the critically acclaimed Los Angeles production of Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece Sweeney Todd and in the world premiere of the musical Hats! in Chicago, for which she co-wrote several songs with Sarah Vaughn.

Other Productions of Sweeney Todd

1979   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1980   West End London Production
West End
1980   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1982   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
1982   Regional (UK) Regional Revival
Regional (UK)
1984   Regional (US) Houston Grand Opera Production
Regional (US)
1984   Off-Broadway New York City Opera Production
Off-Broadway
1984   Regional (US) Regional Revival
Regional (US)
1985   London Fringe London Revival
London Fringe
1989   Off-Broadway Off-Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway
1989   Broadway Broadway Transfer
Broadway
1992   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
1993   Regional (UK) Royal National Theatre Production
Regional (UK)
1996   Regional (US) Goodspeed Production
Regional (US)
1996   Regional (UK) London Revival
Regional (UK)
1999   Regional (US) Reprise! Concert
Regional (US)
2000   London Fringe London Concert
London Fringe
2000   Off-Broadway New York Concert
Off-Broadway
2002   Regional (US) Sondheim Festival Production
Regional (US)
2002   Regional (US) Regional Production
Regional (US)
2004   Off-Broadway New York City Opera Production
Off-Broadway
2004   London Fringe London Revival
London Fringe
2004   West End West End Transfer
West End
2005   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2006   UK Tour National Tour
UK Tour
2007   US Tour
US Tour
2012   West End Chichester Festival Theatre Production
West End
2023   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway

Sweeney Todd - 1979 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1979 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Stephen Sondheim
1979 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Hugh Wheeler
1979 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Hugh Wheeler
1979 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Franne Lee
1979 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Harold Prince
1979 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Ken Billington
1979 Tony Awards Best Musical Richard Barr
1979 Tony Awards Best Musical Charles Woodward
1979 Tony Awards Best Musical Robert Fryer
1979 Tony Awards Best Musical Mary Lea Johnson
1979 Tony Awards Best Musical Martin Richards
1979 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Stephen Sondheim
1979 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Len Cariou
1979 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Angela Lansbury
1979 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design Eugene Lee

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