Sweeney Todd Revival to Embark on National Tour

2023

The Tony-nominated revival of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's "Sweeney Todd" is set to hit the road in early spring 2025 for a national tour, marking the musical's first such tour since 2008. The current Broadway revival, directed by Thomas Kail, has garnered eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical.

The revival, which opened on March 26 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, features Jonathan Tunick's original 26-piece orchestration, a notable aspect that will be retained for the upcoming tour. The musical, based on the Christopher Bond play, tells the story of the vengeful barber Sweeney Todd and his accomplice Mrs. Lovett as they turn to murder and meat pies in Victorian London.

The production's music supervisor and Tony Award winner, Alex Lacamoire, expressed excitement about taking the 26-piece orchestra on the road. Lacamoire noted that local musicians of high caliber would be sought for the tour to replicate the scale and sound experienced on Broadway. The specifics regarding casting, tour dates, and cities are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The current Broadway cast, led by Josh Groban as Sweeney Todd and Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs. Lovett, has contributed to the success of the revival, with both Groban and Ashford receiving Tony nominations for their roles.

The decision to launch a national tour aligns with the acclaim and recognition the revival has received, with the creative team, including choreographer Steven Hoggett and set designer Mimi Lien, contributing to the production's success. The revival follows the original Broadway staging of "Sweeney Todd," staying true to Sondheim's score and Tunick's orchestration.

The upcoming tour is poised to span the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 theatrical seasons, bringing the acclaimed production to audiences across the country. The announcement has stirred anticipation among theater enthusiasts, awaiting further details about the tour, including locations and additional cast members.

"Sweeney Todd" continues to captivate audiences with its dark and compelling narrative, and the national tour provides an opportunity for theatergoers outside of Broadway to experience the musical's powerful storytelling and iconic score. As the anticipation builds, fans eagerly await the unveiling of the full details surrounding this highly anticipated tour.