Sweeney Todd: Judy Kaye to play Mrs Lovett from the 20 - 25 Jun 2006

Judy Kaye will perform the role of 'Mrs. Lovett' in the Broadway production of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, for 8 performances only from the 20 - 25 Jun 2006, whilst Patti LuPone is on vacation.

Judy Kaye's Broadway triumphs include The Phantom of the Opera (for which she received a Tony Award), Mamma Mia and On The Twentieth Century.

Sweeney Todd opened at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on the 3 Nov 2005, following preview from the 3 Oct 2005, where it is currently booking to the 31 Dec 2006.

The musical opened to excellent notices: The New York Times said "Brace yourself they're putting on one helluva show.� and USA Today wrote "Is as thrilling as it is bold." www.newyorktheatreguide.com revierer, Polly Wittenberg, wrote "A thoroughly enjoyable evening." You can read all of Polly Wittenberg's review here

Sweeney Todd was recently named Best Musical Revival by the Outer Critics Circle and Drama League, and received a special New York Drama Critics Circle Award. The production is nominated for 6 Tony Awards and 9 Drama Desk Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director.

The musical 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 cut-throat partnership with Mrs. Lovett, an enterprising businesswomen, who is soon producing the tastiest meat pies in London.

Sweeney Todd features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Hugh Wheeler from an adaptation by Christopher Bond. The production is directed and designed by John Doyle, with music supervision and orchestrations by Sarah Travis.

The ten member ensemble also includes: Michael Cerveris (Sweeney Todd), Mark Jacoby (Judge Turpin), Donna Lynne Champlin (Pirelli), Manoel Felciano (Tobias), Alexander Gemignani (The Beadle), John Arbo (Jonas Fogg), Diana DiMarzio (Beggar Woman), Benjamin Magnuson (Anthony), Lauren Molina (Johanna).