THE Repertory Philippines (Rep) will be staging Sweeney Todd beginning November 14 to December 13 at Onstage, Greenbelt.

With music and lyrics by theatre legend Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" based on Christopher Bond's 1973 play, will once again be staged by Rep since its first production in 1982.

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Leading the cast is Audie Gemora (Sweeney Todd), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Mrs. Lovett), Marvin Ong (Tobias), Franco Laurel (Anthony), Roger Chua (Judge Turpin), Lena Mackenzie (Johanna), Robbie Guevara as Beadle and many more.

Baby Barreto and Michael Williams will co-direct the musical, Mio Infante will do the set design, Gino Gonzalez for costume, John Batalla for lighting design while Gerald Salonga will be conducting the FILharmoniKa and serves as the musical director of the whole play and Yulo, who did the role of Johanna when she was only 19 years old, said: "I feel very proud. It is a wonderful and at the same time difficult challenge and I am happy to be able do it at this point of my career. I realized how difficult it's now more because I understand music better than when I was 19."

When asked on what's the difference of the newest Sweeney Todd production, Yulo said, "It will be different in the attack and the way the characters will be play out. It has a more direct approach as compared to the 1982 production."

"The moment that I am on stage and performing, it is the most important thing for me. Right now I'm happy to put or bring to life a character on stage," Gemora added as it is his dream to do the part of Sweeney Todd.

Franco Laurel, who auditioned for the part of Anthony, was thrilled to be working with Gemora, Yulo, Barreto, and Williams.

Laurel, who will be doing a romantic lead in a musical for the first time, assures the theatregoers of a wonderful experience while watching Sweeney Todd.

"I feel so honored to be part of this cast. When I auditioned for this I believe I was up with the crème of the crop of Rep. Right now, I was so thankful that I got the part," said Marvin Ong who will play the part of Tobias.

"Everyday is a challenge for me not only vocally but acting wise and I think after this production I've grown as an actor," said Ong, adding that beside his role in Sweeney Todd, he likes to do the part of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Sweeney Todd won eight Tony Awards and was awarded by the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for best score and lyrics.

The musical opened on Broadway at the Uris Theatre on March 1, 1979 and ran for 557 performances. (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)