Sweeney Todd
A new production of Stephen Sondheim’s iconic musical thriller, Sweeney Todd, is set to captivate audiences at the La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts begining in January 2026. Starring will Swenson as the vengeful barber and Olivier Award winner Leslie Margherita as the resourceful Mrs. Lovett, this promises to be a compelling interpretation of the classic tale.
Margherita recently shared insights into her preparation for the role of Mrs. Lovett, the pragmatic pie shop owner central to the dark comedy, in a newly released video. Her portrayal is anticipated to bring a unique depth to the character, known for her cunning and darkly humorous nature.
The production boasts a stellar creative team, led by Tony Award winner Jason Alexander as director. Darryl Archibald will serve as musical director, and Lee Martino is responsible for choreography, ensuring a visually and musically dynamic staging of the beloved musical.
Sweeney Todd will officially premiere on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 8:00 PM, wiht a Saturday matinee performance on January 31st at 2:00 PM. The official opening night is scheduled for Saturday, January 31st at 8:00 PM, and performances will continue through Sunday, February 22, 2026.
The musical tells the chilling story of Benjamin Barker, a barber unjustly banished from London by the corrupt Judge Turpin. Driven by a thirst for revenge after Turpin wrongly convicts him and separates him from his wife and daughter, Barker returns years later under the alias Sweeney Todd. He sets up shop above Mrs. Lovett’s struggling pie shop.
Mrs. Lovett, recognizing Todd’s dark intentions, proposes a macabre solution to both their problems: she will use the bodies of his victims as filling for her pies. The scheme initially provides a boost to her business, but the escalating violence and Todd’s relentless pursuit of revenge ultimately lead to a tragic climax. Judge Turpin becomes Todd’s final target, and in a chaotic confrontation, he is killed. Mrs. Lovett is also killed by Todd when he discovers she knew the whereabouts of his daughter. The play ends with Todd’s apparent suicide. The original Broadway production in 1979 garnered eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, cementing its place in theatrical history.
Tickets and further details regarding Sweeney Todd at the La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts are available through the theater’s box office. This production is poised to be a significant cultural event, offering audiences a thrilling and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
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