SWEENEY TODD Opens Tonight at York Little Theatre

York Little Theatre (YLT) will present the musical thriller SWEENEY TODD tonight, February 20, through February 22, February 26-28 and March 1 on the Main Stage. Stephen Sondheim's music makes this classic a must see with its fast paced rhythms and haunting ballads. The musical won the Tony Award in 1979 and the Olivier Award in 1980 for Best New Musical. SWEENEY TODD gained more recent popularity with its 2007 release on the big screen starring Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd.

SWEENEY TODD is about a 19th century London barber who goes on a murderous rampage. In the past, the evil Judge Turpin framed Todd (then known as Benjamin Barker) and took advantage of his young wife. Todd was unjustly incarcerated in a penal colony for 15 years. However, when the show begins, Todd has managed to return to London and has come seeking revenge in a big way. He rents a room over the shop of Mrs. Lovett, the proprietress of a struggling pie shop. Lovett comes up with a plan that will benefit both of them. Todd's thirst for revenge soon expands to include not only the judge but also his unfortunate customers. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lovett happily puts the bodies in the meat grinder and uses the human meat in her meat pies - which become extremely popular with the citizens of London. "The musical is just as much a dark comedy as it is a thriller," said director Rene Staub. "Mrs. Lovett is truly the comic relief of the show and the audience is sure to chuckle at her less than proper mannerisms," he added. "Be prepared to laugh out loud throughout this musical rollercoaster of emotions that is perfectly portrayed through Sondheim's music."

SWEENEY TODD is directed by YLT's Director of Artistic Services, Rene Staub. Vocal and Orchestra Direction is by Matthew Schriver. A cast of outstanding local talent is led by accomplished opera vocalist Michael Anderson as Sweeney Todd. He is joined by Emily Falvey as the jovial, unrefined Mrs. Lovett. Emily recently won the Broadway World Best Actress honors in the Central Pa area for her role as Sally Bowles in YLT's CABARET.

The intensity of makeup, wigs, costumes, set and special effects is extraordinary to deliver 19th century Fleet Street in London. The barber chair where Sweeney does his bidding is a character in itself. Todd's victims are released into a trap door via a lever that turns the seat into its own sliding board. The victim then rides down a chute that ultimately reaches the basement where the meat grinder and ovens are. Joel Persing built the chair and mechanisms to give life to the chair that rests front and center on the top floor of Mrs. Lovett's Shop.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. Patrons can save $2 off regular admission price if they purchase tickets prior to opening night. The show contains violence and mature themes. It is not intended for a young audience. Group sales are available. Go to ylt.org or call 854-5715 for advance tickets and more information. Tickets will be available at the door one hour before the performance, if available.

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