- SYNOPSIS - Lyrics - Sweeney Todd Soundtrack

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a macabre tragicomedy based on the legend of a half-mad 19th century English barber. He is driven to crime when his wife and child are taken from him by an evil judge. Unjustly imprisoned, Todd eventually escapes and vows to bring justice not only to the judge who destroyed his life, but to all the people of London. To this end, he forms a partnership with Mrs. Lovett, an enterprising barmistress whose meat pies soon become the tastiest in London!

This tale of vengeance and murder features a top-notch score by Stephen Sondheim, one of the musical theatre's most brilliant composers. The "Ballad of Sweeney Todd" which opens both acts is based in the "Dies Irae," the Roman Catholic mass for the dead. Hugh Wheeler's libretto is based on a play by Christopher Bond.

Sweeney Todd opened at the Uris Theatre on March 1, 1979. Although the show only ran for 557 performances, it went on to win 8 Tony Awards including "Best Musical." The original cast featured Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett and Len Cariou as Sweeney Todd.