Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest will present the Stephen Sondheim masterwork “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” in a nine-performance run at the Bainbridge High School theatre (no affiliation) from July 14 through July 30, and tickets are on sale now.

The production is directed by Ron Milton, with musical direction by Reece Suave. The show will be presented with a live orchestra.

The musical, with music and lyrics by Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, debuted in 1979, based on the 1973 play of the same title by Christopher Bond. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical and Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

According to Timeout London, though, the beloved maniac barber is even older than that.

The character Sweeney Todd reportedly originated in serialized Victorian popular fiction, known as “penny dreadfuls,” specifically, in a story called “The String of Pearls,” which was published in weekly magazine installments during the winter of 1846-47.

Set in 1785, the original story included all the plot elements that were later used by Sondheim, and others since — including Tim Burton, whose 2007 film version starred Johnny Depp.

The psychopathic barber proved instantly popular, and the story was turned into a play before the ending had even been revealed in print. An expanded edition appeared in 1850, an American version in 1852, a new play in 1865, and by the 1870s Sweeney Todd was a familiar pop culture character.

The malicious main man will be portrayed in the Ovation! version by returning favorite Matty McCaslin (Daddy Warbucks in the production company’s recent “Annie.”). The murderous Mrs. Lovett will be played by Marijane Milton.

Tickets, $15 for youth 12 and younger, $19 for seniors (65 and older), students and military members and $22 for adults, can be purchased now via www.ovationmtb.com or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2962415.