Karl Gasteyer and Stephanie Stiefel Williams Photo by Sam Bibbins

What makes this production work so well is that the two leading roles are ideally cast. Karl Gasteyer is a monstrous, haunted Sweeney Todd, and he brings all of the character's vengeance to the role, as well as a terrific singing voice. Even better is Stephanie Stiefel Williams as Mrs. Lovett. Wearing a great red wig, Williams is stupendous and hilarious. She mines every line for all they're worth and her delivery of both "The Worst Pies in London" and "By the Sea" is glorious. Considering that the role was created by Angela Lansbury and has been played in New York by such actresses as Patti LuPone and Elaine Paige, Williams makes Mrs. Lovett completely her own.

Even with a uniformly stellar cast, the women in the show who shine the brightest. Sarah Anne Hughes is terrific as the Beggar Woman and she sings beautifully, as well as delivering all of the creepy comedy and drama that this part demands. Her final moments pack a wallop.

Also making a great deal out of a supporting part is Ava Broneer as Johanna. Wearing period-perfect dresses (the fabulous costumes are by Jimmy Johansmeyer), Bronner displays a gorgeous soprano voice in her first song, "Green Finch and Linnet Bird," and she manages to stand out in every scene she is in. She may be perhaps the best Johanna that I have ever seen.

This is not to say that the men in the company are anything less than wonderful. Charles Romano brings a big, romantic voice to the character of Anthony and his acting is similarly splendid. As Judge Turpin, Eric Santagata is as sinister and evil as ever, and he is matched by Thomas Beebe as Beedle Bamford. Brayden Esler is a moving, sympathetic Tobias and his singing of "Not While I'm Around" is a definite highlight. Even the character of Pirelli is notable and Amron Salgado gives a funny, extravagant performance.

The design elements in this show are all top notch, including an astonishing, multi-level set by Jamie Burnett, who is also responsible for the atmospheric, expert lighting design. Sondheim's music sounds full-bodied, with the fine music director Mark Ceppetelli leading the small orchestra. There are not really a lot of opportunities for big dance numbers, but choreographer Paola Pacheco Rarick works very well with the director in this production that is continuously on the move.

Considering the intimidating challenge of mounting this show, Sweeney Todd may seem like a musical that would overwhelm a theater as modest as Legacy Theatre. But everyone associated with this production has combined to make this production as monumental and as frightening as possible. It was just recently extended by popular demand and it is highly recommended that you grab a ticket while you can.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street runs through August 31, 2025, at The Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Road, Branford CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-315-1901 or visit www.legacytheatrect.org.