The cast of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Gabrielle Lansden (Johanna), Dave Rode (Sweeney), Trace Meier (Judge Turpin), Cameron Rogers (Anthony), River Reed (Tobias), and MaryAnne McKerrow (Mrs. Lovett) PHOTO PROVIDED

The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present Stephen Sondheim’s Tony- and Oliver-winning musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street from Feb. 10 – March 11.

Sweeney Todd, an unjustly-exiled barber, returns to 19th-century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up… and the carnage has only just begun.

Book by Hugh Wheeler, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Based on the 1973 play of the same name by Christopher Bond.

Director Paul Graffy says, “Long a favorite of the theater-going public, Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece of the Grand Guignol is both an examination of a man’s descent from law-abiding innocence to maniacal depravity, and a thrilling, brilliant and perversely delightful musical of the highest order.”

“It’s a rollicking tour of Dickensian Hell, funny and frightening at the same time … It’s also a celebration of theatre, telling one of the most warped tales found in an accessible show.” – Broadway World

Directed by Paul Graffy, with Assistant Director Madelaine Weymouth, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street features Dave Rode (Sweeney Todd), MaryAnne McKerrow (Mrs. Lovett), Sharon True (Ensemble, doubles as Mrs. Lovett), Lauren Miller (Beggar Woman), Cameron Rogers (Anthony), Gabrielle Lansden (Johanna), Trace Meier (Judge Turpin), Jack Weld (Beadle Bamford), Steven Michael Kennedy (Adolfo Pirelli), River Reed (Tobias), John McKerrow (Jonas Fogg). The ensemble includes Ryland Dingman, Joseph Bostic, Mark King, Brithany Hernandez, Nyx Rasner, Cindy Malley, Angela M. Thomas, Ken Ruisi, Laelon Thomas, Nyx Rasner, and Ariana Milian. Music direction by Roz Metcalf.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is sponsored by The Bireley Family Foundation.

Rehearsal space sponsored by the Berne Davis Botanical Garden.

Performance dates:

Feb. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25 at 8 p.m.

Feb. 12, 19, and 26 at 2 p.m.

March 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 at 8 p.m.

March 5 at 2 p.m.

Special Events:

• Half-price preview nights: Feb. 8, and 9 at 8 p.m.

• Staging Teen Success Through Theater: Feb. 11 at 8 p.m.

Special Events requiring an additional advanced ticket:

Space for these events is limited and ticketed separately. Tickets are $25/each or 2 for $40.

• Bloody Valentine Cocktail reception: Feb. 18, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Class in Sweeney props and blood: Feb. 25, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

• Ghost Hunt at the Theater: March 4, immediately following the performance.

Tickets are $37 each or $15 for students with valid student IDs. There are half-priced previews on Feb. 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and a new Thursday night special ticket price of $30 each for adults. For tickets, please call the box office at 239-218-0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.