Sweeney Todd (subtitled The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, used as the full title for the original production) is a 1979 Broadway musical with score and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Based on Victorian serials and previous stage melodramas (and adapted directly from a 1970 play by Christopher Bond), the musical told the story of Sweeney Todd, a crazed barber who uses his razor to slit the throats of his customers. Their bodies furnish the wares of Mrs. Lovett's meat pie shop.
The popular musical has also been performed in London's West End, off-Broadway, tours, by opera companies, and in concert among other venues. Tim Burton directed a 2007 film version.
References[]
- In the first issue of the comic book Muppet Sherlock Holmes, one of the establishments along Baker Street is Lovett's Meat Pies, with the barber shop of Mr. S. Todd located directly above.
- "Hammer Song" from the Elmo the Musical installment "Repair Monster the Musical" spoofs the opening "Ballad of Sweeney Todd," as the hammer sings "Swing that hammer high, Elmo" (instead of "Lift your razor high, Sweeney.")
Connections[]
- Alun Armstrong played Sweeney Todd in the 1993 London revival
- Jeff Blumenkrantz played the Beadle in the 2014 Live from Lincoln Center concert
- Helena Bonham Carter played Mrs. Lovett in the 2007 film
- Johnny Depp played Sweeney Todd in the 2007 film
- Victor Garber originated the role of Anthony Hope on Broadway
- Kelsey Grammer played Sweeney Todd in a 1999 Reprise! concert
- Josh Groban played Sweeney Todd in the 2023 Broadway revival
- Bob Gunton played Sweeney Todd in the 1989 Broadway revival
- Neil Patrick Harris played Tobias Ragg in a 1999 Reprise! concert and the 2000-2001 concert version and PBS airing
- Anthony Stewart Head played a man who congratulates Todd (larger role deleted) in the 2007 film
- Audra McDonald played the Beggar Woman in the 2014 Live from Lincoln Center concert
- Julia McKenzie played Mrs. Lovett in the 1993 London revival
- Melissa Manchester played the Beggar Woman in a 1999 Reprise! concert
- Brad Oscar played the Beadle in the 2017 off-Broadway revival
- Lonny Price directed the 2000-2001 concert version and PBS airing
- Alan Rickman played Judge Turpin in the 2007 film
- Imelda Staunton played Mrs. Lovett in the 2012 West End revival
- Phil Woodfine was prosthetics coordinator and played a slit throat customer in the 2007 film