Say It Isn't So!

Broadway's Sweeney Todd Closes Shop On 9/3; Tour set for '07
by BWW News Desk

The producers of Sweene Todd announced today that the acclaimed revival will play its final performance on Sunday, September 3, 2006 after 349 performances and 35 previews. Sweeney Todd began previews on October 3, 2005 and opened on Thursday, November 3, 2005, at the Eugene ONeill Theatre (230 West 49th Street). A national tour is scheduled to begin at the end of next summer 2007. This production of Sweeney Todd, innovatively staged by director John Doyle with 10 talented actor/musicians, won the Drama League, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Revival of a Musical and was awarded a Special Citation by the New York Drama Critics Circle. It arrived on Broadway from a London engagement originally staged by the Watermill Theatre. The Broadway production recouped its entire $3.5 million investment just 19 weeks after opening. This revival of "the greatest musical of the past half century" (Wall Street Journal) features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Hugh Wheeler from an adaptation by Christopher Bond. The production is directed and designed by John Doyle, who was awarded the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award for his direction. Music Supervision and Orchestrations were done by Sarah Travis, who was awarded a 2006 Tony and Drama Desk award for her work with the classic Sondheim score. Sweeney Todd stars Patti LuPone as Mrs. Lovett and Michael Cerveris in the title role. Both were nominated for Tony Awards for their performances as was Manoel Felciano as Tobias. he ten member ensemble also includes: Mark Jacoby (Judge Turpin), Donna Lynne Champlin (Pirelli), Alexander Gemignani (The Beadle), John Arbo (Jonas Fogg), Diana DiMarzio (Beggar Woman), Benjamin Magnuson (Anthony) and Lauren Molina (Johanna). "Without question, this production has been one of the richest and most satisfying endeavors of our professional careers. We are all deeply indebted to everyone who made such an extraordinary show a reality on Broadway. I know that I speak on behalf of all of the producing partners when I say that we will miss this company very much but look forward to working again soon with all of them. They are simply -- the best," said Tom Viertel, producer of the show. The producing team also includes Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and the Ambassador Theatre Group, Adam Kenwright & Tulchin/Bartner/Bagert. The new Sweeney Todd Broadway cast recording, produced by Tommy Krasker, was released on Nonesuch records on Tuesday, January 31st. Tickets are available at the Eugene ONeill Box Office or at Telecharge.com/(212) 239-6200. The performance schedule is: Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday – Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2pm.