Sweeney Todd Opens
On Wednesday, March 1 (the 38th anniversary of the original Broadway opening), The Tooting Arts Club production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler from an adaptation by Christopher Bond, directed by Bill Buckhurst, opened at the Barrow Street Theatre (27 Barrow Street).
This production—starring Jeremy Secomb, Siobhàn McCarthy, Matt Doyle, Alex Finke, Betsy Morgan, Brad Oscar, Duncan Smith, Joseph Taylor and more—of the classic tale of blood thirsty barber Sweeney Todd and resourceful pie shop proprietress Mrs. Lovett immerses audiences in a completely new theatrical experience. This Sweeney Todd comes to New York City following sold-out runs in London where the show debuted in Harrington’s Pie and Mash Shop, the oldest continuously operating pie shop in the city, before transferring (by special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh) to a West End venue on Shaftesbury Avenue. The working pie-shop environment is re-created at the Barrow Street Theatre in this immersive production.
In April, Norm Lewis and Carolee Carmello will take over the lead roles.
After party festivities and photo opportunities took place at The City Bakery, where notable guests included Bernadette Peters to Stephen Sondheim enjoyed champagne, Dixieland Jazz and bakery delectables. Theater Pizzazz’s JK Clarke was on hand to witness the festivities and take photos.
Sandi Durell is Publisher/Editor of www.theaterpizzazz.com/
and has been writing, reviewing, producing, having a voice in the theater, cabaret and entertainment communities for over 25+ years. She is a Voting Member of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards; member of the American Theatre Critics Association.
Sandi is a producer of Broadway & Hollywood Live! Revues (www.ShaRellProductions.com); has produced numerous Songwriter Events for the American Popular Song Society (APSS – formerly New York Sheet Music Society on which she is a Board member); the benefit CD “Our Heart Sings;” is a producer on the Award winning film “Broadway the Golden Age” (with Rick McKay) and has produced a variety of entertainment events for most of her career.
She is a member of the League of Professional Theatre Women, Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU – Advisory Board),100+ year old Dutch Treat Club, The Lambs; an occasional theater “angel” and has had a career as a vocalist-performer.
Her column can also be found at www.theaterlife.com
