NY Philharmonic's Sweeney Todd, Starring Emma Thompson, Sets PBS Air Date

Attend the tale, or at least set your DVR! The previously announced telecast of the New York Philharmonic’s staged production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Oscar winner Emma Thompson and Grammy winner Byrn Terfel, will air on PBS’ Live From Lincoln Center on September 26. Audra McDonald, who appeared, uncredited, in select performances of the concert, will serve as host.

The production, directed by Lonny Price and conducted by Alan Gilbert, played Avery Fisher Hall from March 5 through March 8. In addition to Terfel as the titular barber and Thompson as Mrs. Lovett, the cast included Jeff Blumenkrantz, Christian Borle, Kyle Brenn, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Erin Mackey and Philip Quast.

With music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by Wheeler, Sweeney Todd follows a wronged barber who takes to slitting throats while seeking revenge on the corrupt judge who destroyed his life and family.