Actors' Fund Hosts Special Performance of Sweeney Todd
By: BWW News Desk Jan. 23, 2006
The critically-acclaimed revival of the Sondheim musical, starring Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris,
is currently playing at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street).
With music and lyrics by Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, the razor-wielding show centers on a barber who seeks revenge upon the man who defiled his wife and stole his daughter. Sweeney hides his crimes with the help of the crafty Mrs. Lovett, who bakes "the worst pies in London" . The production features Tony Award-winner Cerveris (Assassins, Titanic) in the title role, Tony Award-winner LuPone as Mrs. Lovett, Ben Magnuson as Anthony, Donna Lynne Champlin as Pirelli, Mark Jacoby (Show Boat) as Judge Turpin, John Arbo as Jonas Fogg, Diana DiMarzio as the Beggar Woman, Manoel Felciano as Tobias Ragg, Alexander Gemignani as The Beadle, and Lauren Molina as Johanna. As it was at its smash run at London's Watermill Theatre (and later at the West End's New Ambassador Theatre), the high-concept, minimalist production is helmed and designed by John Doyle, who staged the show with the performers playing instruments, as well as with such accoutrements as nine chairs, a ladder and a white coffin.
Sweeney Todd features music supervision and orchestrations by Sarah Travis, music direction by David Loud, lighting by Richard G. Jones, and sound by Dan Moses Schreier. To generally rave reviews, Sweeney Todd opened at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on Thursday, November 3 following preview performances from Monday, October 3. Fidelity Investments, Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, The Ambassador Theatre Group and Maidstone Productions are the show's producers.
"Special Performances are among the most thrilling theatrical experiences, and the hottest tickets in town. Broadway companies generously give their time and talent by adding these special shows to their already rigorous schedules, and perform for audiences full of their peers from the entertainment community. Proceeds from all Special Performances benefit The Actors' Fund of America," according to press notes.
For over 120 years, The Actors' Fund of America is the national nonprofit organization that provides for the social welfare of all entertainment professionals. Professionals in film, television, radio, theatre, dance and music all turn to The Actors' Fund in times of need. Programs include: Entertainment Industry Assistance Program, Mental Health Services, Chemical Dependency Services, Senior and Disabled Programs, Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative, AIDS Initiative, The Actors' Work Program, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, Nursing Home and Assisted Living Care Facility, and supportive housing on both coasts.
Special Benefit Priced Tickets are available at $250 and regular seats from $36.25 to $101.25.
To purchase tickets, call (212) 221-7300 ext.133, or visit the theatre box office. For more information, please visit www.actorsfund.org.
