Screening Sondheim Continues With 'Sweeney' and Louise

 The Laurie Beechman Theatre is very pleased to continue our celebrated series, SCREENING SONDHEIM, featuring screenings of celebrated Sondheim productions. The series kicked off in February with the sold out debut of COMPANY, and continued with the original Broadway productions of INTO THE WOODS and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE.

SCREENING SONDHEIM continues on Saturday, May 3rd at 8pm with the original Broadway Production of Sweeney Todd, starring Angela Lansbury and George Hearn. Sweeney Todd, the Broadway production, garnered eight 1980 Tony Awards, and the filmed production won three Emmys.

At 8pm, there will be a chat with Merle Louise, who created the role of the Beggar Woman in the original cast. "We'll chat about the origins of the musical, working with Sondheim and we're sure to hear some tasty backstage stories. Immediately following, we'll screen the ground-breaking production on our big screen. Join your fellow Sondheim fans for what will be a memorable evening." says press notes.

There is no cover charge for this event, and there is a two-drink or $15 food/beverage minimum, a full dinner and bar menu is available. The Laurie Beechman Theatre is located within The West Bank Cafe, 407 West 42nd St., in the heart of New York's theatre district. For reservations, which are strongly recommended, please call 212 695 6909.

Merle Louise made her Broadway debut in the original Broadway company of Gypsy, appearing alongside Ethel Merman as Thelma, a role she created, eventually succeeding to the role of June. In 1970, she created the role Susan in the original Broadway cast of Stephen Sondheim's Company, and continued her association with Sondheim in 1979's Sweeney Todd, creating the role of the Beggar Woman. Other Broadway credits include La Cage aux Folles (original Mme. Dindon), Into the Woods (original Cinderella's Mother, Giant, Grandmother) and Kiss of the Spider Woman (Molina's Mother).