For Immediate Release: May 31, 2005
Media Contact: Jayme Powers, Arden Theatre Company, 215.922.8900 x22

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim • Book by Hugh Wheeler • From an adaptation by Christopher Bond • Directed by Terrence J. Nolen • Extended through June 26, 2005

Arden Theatre Company is thrilled to announce an extension of Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street that will now run through June 26. The additional eight performances are a direct response to overwhelming ticket sales. Due to scheduling commitments, Sweeney Todd must close Sunday, June 26. Sweeney Todd is co-sponsored by Harmelin Media and Commerce Bank and is supported in part by a grant from the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative, a program funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by The University of the Arts.

The Philadelphia Inquirer says, "This is a big, boldly imagined, expertly designed Sweeney Todd. It's an intriguing, entertaining mixture of dark comedy, gory violence, murderous passion, and tender young love." Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a chilling comedy of passion, revenge, and meat pies set to the brilliant music of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim. On a mission of ruthless retribution barber Sweeney Todd schemes with lovesick shopkeeper Mrs. Lovett to avenge his family in the most demented fashion.

Arden Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen states, "I am drawn so powerfully to the sheer emotionality of the piece. This musical is filled with so much life - and peopled by characters consumed with passion. Passion for life, for love, for flesh, for pies, for a tale well told. With its sweeping story and magnificent score, Sweeney allows for the great contradictions of living in this world - a world that can be unbearably cruel and yet so full of possibility."

Ticket prices range from $26 to $40 and may be purchased by calling the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, online at www.ardentheatre.org or in person at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia.

Half-priced tickets are available for balcony-style, seats on stage with a partially obstructed view. Discounted group rates are also available. The Arden is accessible to people with disabilities. Accessible seating is available by reservation.

WHERE:
Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia

WHEN:
Extended through June 26, 2005
Added performances are Tuesday, June 21 at 8 pm; Wednesday, June 22 at 6:30 pm; Thursday, June 23 at 8 pm; Friday, June 24 at 8 pm; Saturday, June 26 at 2 pm and 8 pm; and Sunday, June 27 at 2 pm and 7 pm.

WHO:
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler
From an adaptation by Christopher Bond
Directed by Terrence J. Nolen
Musical direction by Eric Ebbenga
Scenic Design by David P. Gordon
Costume Design by Marla Jurglanis
Lighting Design by John Stephen Hoey
Sound Design by Jorge Cousineau

Cast:
Sweeney Todd - Thom Sesma
Mrs. Lovett - Mary Martello
Judge Turpin - Bev Appleton
Anthony Hope - Ben Dibble
The Beadle - Todd A. Horman
Tobias Ragg - Joshua Lamon
Johanna - Elisa Matthews
Pirelli - James Sugg
Beggar Woman - Denise Whelan

Ensemble:
Michael Borton
Amanda Johnson
Shannon Lambert-Ryan
Anthony Lawton
Katherine Mallon-Day
Michael Philip O'Brien
Katie O'Shaughnessey
Kristin Purcell
David St. Louis
Rob Tucker

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