Catch a flight, then cue the lights
An exciting Broadway season encourages travelers to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

NEW YORK CITY — In case you haven't heard, discount airline Jet Blue is running three daily nonstop flights between Austin and New York City. So if you've been looking for a reason to sink your incisors into that Big Apple, there you have it. And when you decide to make the trip, why not take in the most Manhattan of Manhattan experiences: a Broadway show? With a wealth of worthy productions treading the boards midtown — and some real gems sparkling downtown — theater in New York is, at the moment, blessed with originality.

The most exciting production on a New York stage — probably any stage, for that matter — is John Doyle's haunting reinterpretation of Steven Sondheim's masterpiece, "Sweeney Todd," starring Tony-award winners Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris. "Todd" premiered 27 years ago with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou in the roles re-created by LuPone and Cerveris. Anchored by a cast of nearly 30 actors, the original production is remembered for its epic scale and legendary performances (Lansbury and Cariou both won Tonys).

For his "Todd," Doyle nixed the ensemble and the orchestra, retaining but 10 actors to fill the roles and play the score, a task accomplished almost entirely without the aid of sheet music. The actors remain onstage throughout the performance, playing instruments in between (and sometimes during) their scenes. LuPone's Mrs. Lovett prances about the stage in a black miniskirt, belching out notes on the tuba — an instrument designed to be played while seated. Cerveris' Sweeney Todd strums the guitar, while others assume the responsibilities of piano, cello, violin and even accordion players. What's most impressive about this display of musicianship is that, while hitting their musical cues, the actors unanimously deliver revolutionary performances.

LuPone's Mrs. Lovett, a pie shop owner whose business booms after making a deal with the titular homicidal barber, is simultaneously sexy, controlled and insecure. LuPone imbues the character with a realistic set of contradictions, making her Mrs. Lovett alternately hilarious and horrifying, inviting and repulsive. As Todd, Cerveris matches LuPone's magnetism while carving a portrait of concentrated vengeance. Aided by Doyle's unimpeachable designs, Cerveris delivers a subtle, sympathetic performance certain to live in the nightmares of those who encounter it. Come June, this show should rack up the Tony Awards.