Following on the 2021 publication of my STEPHEN SONDHEIM ENCYCLOPEDIA, I was invited by Rowman and Littlefield (which became Bloomsbury Publishing in May 2024) to undertake another Sondheim volume. R&L was acquired by Bloomsbury Publishing in 2024, and that’s who has released my book-length, in-depth study of SWEENEY TODD:
https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/stephen-sondheims-sweeney-todd-9781538196441/ is now available for ordering.
Here’s Bloomsbury’s promotional text:
An award-winning Sondheim expert dives into all facets of this unique, murder-filled masterpiece-its slimy roots, original production, characters from killers to lovers to bakers, soaring score, gripping storytelling, and lasting power.
This bloody tale, Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is often considere, one of the greatest musicals of all time. Rick Pender provides a kaleidoscopic view and interweaves a wealth ofarchival materials and insights, starting with the show’s 19th-century gruesome literary origins and Christopher Bond’s 1970 stage adaptation that inspired Sondheim to transform it into a Broadway musical. Pender extensively explores the show’s development and its Tony Award-winning original 1979 production, focusing on Sondheim’s majestic score and the show’s masterfully written and intricately plotted book by Hugh Wheeler. Also profiled are members of the all-star creative team led by director Hal Prince as well as legendary orchestrator Jonathan Tunick, renowned musical director Paul Gemignani, and the original cast, including Len Cariou, Angela Lansbury, Victor Garber, Sarah Rice, Edmund Lyndeck, Ken Jennings, and Merle Louise.
The book surveys major, subsequent productions by theater and opera companies, as well as Tim Burton’s dark 2007 cinematic adaptation featuring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter. Critical assessments of the original production and numerous adaptations are shared, including John Doyle’s 2005 Tony Award-winning actor/musician production and the 2023 revival starring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. The book ends with a look at the musical’s cultural impacts and legacy. Rick Pender provides riveting exploration of Sweeney Todd will please fans of musical theatre, Sondheim enthusiasts, and those who gravitate to horror stories.
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Pages 264
ISBN 9781538196441
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic
Illustrations 17 bw illus
Dimensions 9 x 6 inches
Publisher Bloomsbury Academic