Hugh Panaro joins the cast of the immersive Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Off-Broadway beginning August 29. Panaro takes over the title role from Tony nominee Norm Lewis, who played his final performance at the Barrow Street Theatre—transformed into a working pie shop for the production—August 13.
As previously announced, Carolee Carmello is staying on as Mrs. Lovett.
Like Lewis, Panaro is known for playing the Phantom in Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera. The actor made his Broadway debut in the original production of Les Misérables as Marius and went on to originate roles in Side Show, The Red Shoes, Martin Guerre, and Lestat.
Also joining the cast August 29 are Jake Boyd (Rock of Ages), who takes over from Matt Doyle as Anthony; Eryn LeCroy (Assassins), who takes over the role of Johanna from Alex Finke; Michael James Leslie (Senator Joe), who takes over from Jamie Jackson as Judge Turpin; and John Rapson (Les Misérables), who succeeds Tony nominee Brad Oscar as the Beadle.
Oscar played his final performance on August 20, with Colin Anderson playing the role of the Beadle from August 22–27. David Michael Garry played the role of Sweeney Todd August 15–27.
Directed by Bill Buckhurst, The Tooting Arts Club’s immersive production of Sweeney Todd began previews February 14 at the Barrow Street Theatre prior to an official opening March 1.
The downtown theatre has been completely transformed into a working pie shop especially for the acclaimed production, which is now selling through December 31.
Staying in their roles are Carmello, Stacie Bono as Pirelli and the Beggar Woman, and John-Michael Lyles as Tobias. The company of Sweeney Todd also includes Matt Leisy, Liz Pearce, Danny Rothman, Monet Sabel, and Anne Tolpegin.
Sweeney Todd features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler from an adaptation by Christopher Bond.
The creative team for the Off-Broadway production includes set and costume designer Simon Kenny, lighting designer Amy Mae, and sound designer by Matt Stine. Music supervision and arrangement is by Benjamin Cox, music direction by Matt Aument, casting by Telsey + Company / Cesar A. Rocha, CSA, and production stage management by Richard A. Hodge.
For tickets and more information, visit SweeneyToddNYC.com.
(Updated August 29, 2017)
