Opening from July 17 on the historic Manoel main stage, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street marks the first ever in-house musical theatre production for Malta’s national theatre. Produced in tribute to the show’s legendary composer Stephen Sondheim who died late last year, Teatru Manoel’s production is set to continue the international success of this much-loved, multi-award-winning musical.
Based on Christopher Bond’s 1973 play and featuring Sondheim’s music and lyrics alongside a book by Hugh Wheeler, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street has delighted audiences on Broadway, at London’s West End, in multiple theatre revivals and even in a popular film adaptation.The story follows Sweeney Todd, who murders his victims as they sit in his barber’s chair, and his partner-in-crime Mrs Lovett, who disposes of their bodies by baking them into meat pies to sell at her pie shop.
The Manoel’s major upcoming production features a stellar cast of Malta’s finest musical theatre performers directed by Lucienne Camilleri, with musical direction by Ryan Paul Abela. Roger Tirazona leads as Sweeney Todd, joined by Kateriana Fenech as Mrs Lovett and a top supporting cast including Stephen Oliver, Jasmine Farrugia, Ryan Grech, Gianluca Cilia, Noel Zarb, Stefania Grech Vella and Karl Bartolo.
Meanwhile, audiences can escape the July heat and, with the help of the newly installed Climate Control System, leave sunny Malta for the coolness of Victorian London and the wonderfully gruesome world of Sweeney Todd.
“The theatre has a long history of musicals and we are proud to be hosting our very first in-house production. The production will include a full Malta-based cast and production team, featuring costumes and set build, including the famous barber’s chair, by the Teatru Manoel team,” said Teatru Manoel’s CEO, Massimo Zammit.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will be performed on 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 July 2022 at 8pm, on 23 July at 3pm and 8pm, and on 24 July at 3pm and 8pm, for audience members aged twelve and above. Tickets are available via email to bookings@teatrumanoel.mt, by telephone to (+356) 21246389 or online at www.teatrumanoel.mt.
