PBS Arts Fall Festival Season 4 Episode 1 Sweeney Todd; The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street In Concert With The New York Philharmonic

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Concert with the New York Philharmonic is the opening episode of PBS Arts Fall Festival season 4. This concert was performed in May 2014 at the Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center. The musical is based on the play by Hugh Wheeler and Stephen Sondheim, which tells the story of a vengeful barber who seeks to avenge the wrongful imprisonment of his wife and the loss of his daughter by killing his customers and having them turned into meat pies by his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett.

The New York Philharmonic, led by conductor Alan Gilbert, performs Sondheim's score featuring a cast of Broadway stars. Bass-baritone Bryn Terfel tackles the titular role of Sweeney Todd, while Oscar-nominated actress Emma Thompson shines as his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett. Other notable cast members include Grammy Award-winning soprano Audra McDonald as the Beggar Woman, Tony Award-winning actor Christian Borle as Pirelli, and Philip Quast as Judge Turpin.

The concert performance fully captures the essence of the macabre tale, complete with a live orchestra and large chorus. The lighting design and sets create an eerie atmosphere that perfectly complements the dark storyline. The use of video projections, including close-ups of the performers, adds an intimate feel to the performance, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the emotions and motivations of the characters.

In addition to the stunning performances, the concert includes behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast and crew, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the production process. From rehearsals to costumes, viewers get an inside look at what it takes to bring a performance of this magnitude to life.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Concert with the New York Philharmonic is a masterful performance that perfectly captures the essence of Sondheim's score and the haunting tale of Sweeney Todd. This episode of the PBS Arts Fall Festival season 4 is a must-watch for musical theater fans and anyone who loves a good story of revenge and redemption.