1st Edition

Sondheim and Wheeler's Sweeney Todd

By Aaron Thomas Copyright 2018

    Sweeney Todd, the gruesome tale of a murderous barber and his pastry chef accomplice, is unquestionably strange subject matter for the musical theatre – but eight Tony awards and enormous successes on Broadway and the West End testify to its enduring popularity with audiences. Written by Hugh Wheeler, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the musical premiered in 1979 and has seen numerous revivals, including Tim Burton's 2007 film version.

    Aaron C. Thomas addresses this darkly funny piece with fitting humour, taking on Sweeney Todd’s chequered history and genre, its treatment of violence and cannibalism, and its sexual politics.

    Acknowledgements

    Note on the text

    Chapter 1. The Throat That Gleams

    Chapter 2. The Throat That Sings

    Chapter 3. The Throat That Bleeds

    Chapter 4. The Throat That Swallows

    Bibliography

    Biography

    Aaron Thomas