L.A.’s ‘Sweeney’ gets the ax

Los Angeles Opera’s plans to present Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” in May 2005 have been derailed, officials said Tuesday. A film adaptation of “Todd,” to be directed by “American Beauty” Oscar winner Sam Mendes, is in pre-production, and all theatrical performance rights to it have been withdrawn.

Bryn Terfel, who was scheduled to sing the title role, will still be here, however. He will instead sing the title role of Verdi’s “Falstaff” in a revival of the 1990 L.A. Opera production. The cast will also include Kallen Esperian (Alice Ford), Vassily Gerello (Ford), Jane Henschel (Mistress Quickly), Celena Shafer (Nanetta) and Daniil Shtoda (Fenton).

Stephen Lawless will direct, and music director Kent Nagano will conduct. “Falstaff” tickets go on sale Aug. 1. “Sweeney Todd” ticket-holders will be contacted by Los Angeles Opera Audience Services: (213) 972-8001.

-- Chris Pasles