The Prince George Symphony Orchestra and Judy Russell have announced they will join forces to present Stephen Sondheim’s popular musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, this November.

The two organizations have worked together for decades on Prince George’s beloved Nutcracker, but this is the first full co-production of a musical for the long-time partnership.

Sweeney Todd has been a popular musical since its Broadway debut in 1979 with multiple revivals in New York and London, tours, and a major motion picture. Created by Stephen Sondheim, one the most influential figures of musical theatre, and Hugh Wheeler, the musical is based on an earlier play by Christopher Bond. The character of the vengeful barber is much older, first found in print in 1846, but likely based on even older legends.

“When we started talking about doing a musical together, we wanted to find something that would really show off both organizations,” said PGSO Music Director Michael Hall. “Sweeney Todd just seemed perfect. Not only is this a show with memorable characters and story, but it has music that the orchestra can really dig into. Some of the best writing you’ll ever find in a Broadway show.”

The orchestra will be fully visible on the stage of Vanier Hall in this semi-staged production.

“This is really a story about human connections and all the trials these characters go through,” said Judy Russell. “It’s not a story that really needs to be told with giant set pieces, so we want to take the opportunity to put the artists on full display.”

The production is being supported by the Province of British Columbia through the BC Fairs Festivals and Events program of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts , Culture, and Sport. The show is being supported locally by Marcotte Law and Tourism PG. Show-goers will be eligible for a special reduced overnight rate at The Coast Hotel Prince George.

Auditions begin June 9. Contact judyrussellpresentspg@gmail.com for more information.

This presentation is licensed by Music Theatre International.