New York Philharmonic Special Editions, the Philharmonic’s record label, has announced plans to release a cast CD of the May 4-6 performances of "Sweeney Todd in Concert" which opens today at Lincoln Center.

The first complete recording of Sweeney since the 1979 original Broadway-cast recording, the New York Philharmonic CD will feature Patti LuPone, George Hearn, Audra McDonald, John Aler, Davis Gaines, Heidi Grant Murphy, Neil Patrick Harris, Stanford Olsen, and Paul Plishka and the New York Choral Artists. The performances will be conducted by Andrew Litton and directed by Lonny Price.

Special Editions executive producer Barbara Haws, producer Tommy Krasker and co-producer Larry Rock are helming the production of the two-disk set, which will be will be accompanied by a 100-page booklet containing "performance and behind-the-scenes photographs, extensive program notes, information about the artists, and the musical’s complete libretto."

Production notes indicate that "Sweeney Todd, In Concert" will be available for $45 and may be ordered by mail from New York Philharmonic Special Editions, 5804 Churchman By-pass, Indianapolis, IN 46203. Phone orders can be made at (800) 557-8268; or by fax at (317) 781-4608; or by visiting www.newyorkphilharmonic.org. After the fall release, "Sweeney Todd In Concert" will be in record stores.

-- By Murdoch McBride