Stephen Sondheim

Sweeney Todd (2006 Broadway Cast Recording)

About this Album

Nonesuch released the cast album from the current critically acclaimed Broadway production of Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, in January 2006. Originally produced in 1979, Sweeney Todd had not been seen on Broadway in more than 16 years. Tony Award winners Patti LuPone (Evita) and Michael Cerveris (Assassins) lead the ten-person cast as Mrs. Lovett / Tuba, Percussion and Sweeney Todd / Guitar. The record was produced by Tommy Krasker.

Directed and designed by John Doyle, with music supervision and orchestrations by Sarah Travis, Sweeney Todd received numerous accolades since its  opening at the Eugene O’Neill Theater in October 2005. The New York Times’ Anthony Tommasini says, “Whatever Ms. Travis’s scoring loses in strength it gains in subtlety. Mr. Sondheim’s curious contrapuntal inner voices come through vividly, which brings out the music’s transfixing strangeness. Also, because the balances favor the singers, Mr. Sondheim’s ingenious lyrics leap off the stage at you. Though I will never tire of hearing [Jonathan] Tunick’s remarkable orchestration on the original cast album, I find Ms. Travis’s work revelatory.”

Rounding out the cast—which is entirely composed of musician/actors, who also act as the orchestra—are: John Arbo (Jonas Fogg / Bass), Donna Lynne Champlin (Pirelli / Accordion, Piano, Flute), Diana DiMarzio (Beggar Woman / Clarinet), Manoel Felciano (Tobias / Violin, Clarinet, Piano), Alexander Gemignani (The Beadle / Piano, Trumpet), Mark Jacoby (Judge Turpin / Trumpet, Percussion), Benjamin Magnuson (Anthony / Cello, Piano), and Lauren Molina (Johanna / Cello). The Sweeney Todd book was written by Hugh Wheeler from an adaptation by Christopher Bond.

Sweeney Todd is based on the 19th-century legend of a London barber, who is driven to crime when a malevolent judge takes his wife and child from him. His plan for revenge includes a cutthroat partnership with Mrs. Lovett, an enterprising businesswomen, who is soon producing the tastiest meat pies in London.

Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s previous Nonesuch recordings include Into the Woods (2002), The Frogs / Evening Primrose (2001), Saturday Night (2000), and Bounce (2004).