ArtsWest presents Stephen Sondheim’s Tony-winning musical thriller "Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street" for nine performances only. Performed by participants in ArtsWest’s award-winning Musical Theater Apprenticeship Program, this classic Broadway musical runs July 15-25.

Now in its third year, the ArtsWest Apprenticeship Program is an intensive program where advanced actors, singers and dancers ages 16 to 21 learn and improve their theater skills while rehearsing and performing a full-length musical. The Sweeney Todd cast includes students from Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles.

“The purpose of our Apprenticeship Program is to prepare these young actors for a career in theatre,” said Theater and Education Director Christopher Zinovitch. “We design it as a professional experience, starting with auditions and carrying through to production. With only 11 students receiving roles, the talent level this year is incredibly high.”

Directed by Christopher Zinovitch and Nick DeSantis with musical direction by Jessica Skerritt and Dane Stokinger, Sweeney Todd is a macabre tale about a London barber, unjustly deported, who returns seeking revenge. The demented Mrs. Lovett is Sweeney’s amorous accomplice (and creator of the infamous meat pies), as his diabolical plan brings them ever closer to the judge who destroyed his life and family, and their own bloody fate.

Sweeney Todd features Daniel Schwait as Sweeney Todd and Lisa Hill as Mrs. Lovett, with Kip Brookbank, Isaiah Corey, Ryan Floresca, Chelsea Gilpin, Katie Hume, Andrew Leonard, Kyle Mitchell, Elizabeth Nestlerode, and Sarah Uptagrafft.

The production is made possible in part by Nucor Steel Seattle and The West Seattle Garden Tour. Sweeney Todd is recommended for mature audiences.

Performances are July 15 through 25 Wednesday through Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 19, 3 p.m. Preview: Tuesday, July 14, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 (Under 25? Only $10!)

ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery is located at 4711 California Ave. S.W. Visit www.artswest.org or call the box office (206) 938-0339.