Civic Theatre of Allentown stages a Stephen Sondheim classic and Between the Lines Studio Theatre presents a play exploring isolation and technology.

Civic presents “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” Feb. 27 to March 15 in Civic’s Nineteenth Street Theatre

Between The Lines presents “Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” Feb. 27 to March 8 in the troupe’s Allentown theater.

Sondheim’s operatic musical “Sweeney Todd” blends lush orchestrations, visceral storytelling, unforgettable music, razor-sharp wit, and black humor into an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Once known as the barber Benjamin Barker, Sweeney Todd (Armand Reiser) returns to London driven by vengeance. With the help of the cunning Mrs. Lovett (Nina Metrick), and her suspiciously popular meat pies, Todd’s obsession spirals into a chilling tale of corruption, obsession and consequence.

Sondheim’s legendary score features “Epiphany,” “A Little Priest” and “Johanna,” carried by a haunting chorus and a sweeping, operatic sound that changed musical theater.

The cast includes Bob Trexler, Tony Anthony, Jordan Joseph, Maricel Wheatley, Melo Rodriguez, Mason McGowan, Melody Portnoy, Seth Barany, Alejandro Rodriguez, Alex Pizolato, Angelina Dries, Christine Ebert, Connor Simmons, Jillian Petrie, Joey Troiano, Johnny Bertone, Kiernan Ward, Liam Thompson, Lizzie Witek, Marie Ann Sutera-Wendells, Marley Mathias, Matthew Whitley, Mike Firuta, Rose Fortkamp, Samantha Zosky, Sarai Misic, Seiya Sessoms, Seth Barany, Shannon Cornish and Zoli Heft.

The production is directed by Rae Labadie with music direction by Nick Conti and choreography by Mariel Letourneau.

The Feb. 28 performance is pay-what-you-can.

“Sweeney Todd,” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, 28, March 6, 7, 13; 3 p.m. March 8, 15; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. March 14, Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. 610-433-8903, https://civictheatre.com/

“Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” written by Sarah Ruhl in 2007, explores themes of dependence on technology, the illusion of intimacy and the universal longing to be seen and remembered.

When a lonely woman, Jean (Kirsten Almeida) answers a dead man’s ringing cell phone in a cafe, she unexpectedly finds herself entangled in the lives of the strangers left behind.

As she navigates conversations with his grieving mother (Genia Miller), enigmatic widow (Lisa Gump), and troubled brother (Jeremy Melendez), Jean begins to construct a new narrative about the man, and in the process, discovers a new sense of purpose in her own life.

The Between the Lines Studio Theatre cast includes Jane Steff.

The production is directed by Rachel Williams.

Audiences are advised that there is a prop gun which appears during the play.

“Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, 28, March 6, 7; 2 p.m. March 1, 8, Between the Lines Studio Theatre, 725 N. 15th St., Allentown. https://betweenthelinestheatre.com/

Auditions have been announced by Star of the Day Event Productions for “Wonderland the Musical.”

Performers in high school and older may audition 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. March 11 and March 12, Between the Lines Studio Theatre, 725 N. 15th St., Allentown.

Those auditioning should prepare 20 to 32 bars of a pop musical theater song and be prepared for a dance, movement audition. Bring sheet music properly marked in a binder in the correct key. No a cappella or tracks will be allowed.

Rehearsals begin in late March. Performances are scheduled May 8 to May 17.

Sign up at: http://www.StaroftheDay.org/auditions.html

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com