by Stephen Sondheim
and Hugh Wheeler

When this show opened on Broadway in 1979 it won nine Tony Awards, including Best Book, Best Score, and Best Musical. Sondheim is regarded as a premiere American composer; the quality of his work is so superb it is often presented by opera companies or in concert presentation. A rare instance of a musical thriller, this chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous barber-ism and culinary crime tells the infamous tale of the unjustly exiled barber. When Sweeney returns to 19th century London, he seeks revenge against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. Sophisticated, macabre, visceral, and uncompromising, Sweeney Todd nevertheless has a great sense of fun, mixing intense drama with howlingly funny moments of dark humor. Audiences find themselves laughing hysterically one moment and gasping in surprise the next.

"There is more of artistic energy, creative personality and plain excitement than in a dozen average musicals." New York Times