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"Sweeney Todd" comes to Overture Hall Jan. 23-25. - Submitted

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The barber stands over his nemesis the judge, brandishing a gleaming straight razor. He leans in, blade close to the skin ... and gives a smooth, close shave.

Relive Judge Turpin's close call with the demon barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd, at the Overture Center the next two Saturdays at the newly dubbed, this-month-only Sweeney Todd's Barber Shop. In the Overture, 201 State St., Stephen Baraboo will give straight razor cuts for free.

Baraboo is a barber at Thorps on Atwood Avenue. His shaves are one of several promotions for "Sweeney Todd," the national Broadway tour, running Jan. 23-25 in Overture Hall.

Other macabre promotions for Stephen Sondheim's brilliantly gloomy musical include bathing the interior of the building in red light. Bluephies restaurant, 2701 Monroe St., is also offering a Sweeney Todd meat pie special.

This production of "Sweeney Todd" is based on the recent Broadway revival in which all of the actors play instruments, conflating performers and pit musicians onstage. Sweeney, formerly Benjamin Barker, returns from unjust exile to wreak vengeance on the judge who sent him there. Furious about losing his wife and daughter, Sweeney begins a murderous rampage in his barber shop, turning the men of London into meat pies with the help of Mrs. Lovett.

Overture publicist Rob Chappell said men can come for a shave from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays Jan. 10 and Jan. 17 and daily from Jan. 20-23. A straight razor shave takes about 30 minutes, so the two-hour window is enough for about four cuts each day.

Chappell said walk-ins are welcome, but guys may also make an appointment by calling 258-4177.