Patti LuPone and George Hearn (who replaced a recuperating Bryn Terfel) open tonight in the New York Philharmonic production of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd. The show runs May 4-6 at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.
The New York Philharmonic had reported that the show was sold out, but Playbill On-Line has now learned that while the $75 ticket tier is sold out, there are actually plenty of seats available in the $100, $150, $200 and $250 range, according to Centercharge. In addition, certain "gala" level tickets are still available (see below.)
As earlier reported, production sources said Terfel withdrew from the performances "due to his continuing recuperation from a recent back operation." Specialists caring for Terfel had advised that "three consecutive nights of performances would put unnecessary strain on the injury."
The Philharmonic performances of Sweeney will mark something of a homecoming for Hearn, who performed there in the 1985 concert performances of Sondheim’s Follies. Hearn won an Emmy Award (1984-85 season) for his portrayal of Sweeney Todd on PBS after playing the role on Broadway and during the subsequent national tour with Angela Lansbury.
Hearn earned his first Tony Award playing Albin in La Cage aux Folles, a role he reprised in London where he earned an Olivier Award nomination. Later, he won his second Tony Award for creating the role of Max von Mayerling in the Los Angeles premiere and Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard. Hearn recently appeared with Carol Burnett in Sondheim’s Putting It Together. His Tony Award nominations include A Doll’s Life and Watch on The Rhine. The story of the demon barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd is a musical thriller with music and lyrics by Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. Adapted by Christopher Bond and originally directed by Harold Prince, Sweeney Todd will also feature Audra McDonald as the beggar woman.
Additional cast members include Davis Gaines, Neil Patrick Harris, Heidi Grant Murphy, Stanford Olsen and Paul Plishka. The Philharmonic will be conducted by Andrew Litton. Lonny Price will direct.
Concert tickets for the sold out show ranged from $75 - $250. On May 4, a pre-concert reception and a post-concert dinner is planned for show patrons together with the artists. A few gala tickets remain available, ranging from $1,000 - $2,500, at (212) 875-5757. Avery Fisher Hall is located in Lincoln Center. For other information call Centercharge at (212) 721-6500 or visit newyorkphilharmonic.org.
