Cornell Lyric Theatre presents musical thriller ‘Sweeney Todd’

MOUNT VERNON — Cornell College Lyric Theatre presents the musical thriller “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” opening Friday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m. in Kimmel Theatre of Youngker Hall.

Remaining performances are Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. and Feb. 2-4 at 8 p.m.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and based on the book by Hugo Wheeler, “Sweeney Todd” tells the story of the unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th-century London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The barber’s thirst for blood expands to include his unfortunate customers, which leads to gruesome success for the proprietress of the neighborhood pie shop, whose customers are lining up in droves for her mysterious new meat pie.

This 1977 Tony Award-winning musical has been called sophisticated, macabre, visceral and uncompromising, yet “Sweeney Todd” nevertheless has a great sense of fun, mixing intense drama with moments of dark humor.

The Cornell performance is directed by Kaia Monroe, assistant professor of theatre, with music direction by Jonathon Thull, voice instructor and Lyric Theatre founder.

Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for students, seniors and youth. “Sweeney Todd” contains situations not appropriate for children under 12. Admission is free to Cornell students, faculty and staff. Reserve tickets at (319) 895-4293.