Little Theatre of Owatonna (LTO) has announced its winter musical production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet” that opens Valentine’s Day, February 14th.

The Tony Award-winning musical is a dark, witty tale of love, murder and revenge set against the backdrop of 19th century London. The theatrical treat has simultaneously shocked, awed and delighted audiences across the world.

The infamous tale tells the story of Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber who returns to London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road of vengeance leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop. Above her shop, Todd opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up. And the carnage has only just begun.

A live, 12 piece orchestra, directed by Suzette Kuklok, will perform Stephen Sondheim’ music for this production. Sondheim has received an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards (more than any other composer, including a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre), eight Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, a Laurence Olivier Award, and a 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim with book by Hugh Wheeler. Jeffrey Jackson is the artistic director, Bev Cashman the music director and Kathy Purdie the technical director.

**This production is for mature audiences.**

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, with matinee performances at 2 p.m. Feb. 17 and 24. Online tickets available for the general public on February 2nd. The LTO Box Office opens February 11th. Adult ticket price is $17; student ticket price is $14.

“Sweeney Todd” is presented with special arrangements through Music Theatre International and is sponsored by the Wenger Foundation.