The Actors' Fund of America will host a Special Performance of Sweeney Todd to benefit the organization. It will be held on Sunday, January 29th at 7 p.m.
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.