Meridian Little Theatre kicked off its 92nd season Thursday night with the opening of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

Opening night saw a crowd of First Nighters turn out to see the production, a tale of love, murder and revenge set against the backdrop of London at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution.

“The opening of the 92nd season … was nothing short of spectacular,” said Sidney Covington, immediate past president and longtime MLT player, adding the production “wowed the near capacity house.”

First-night attendees are already calling the production on social media a fun show that does not disappoint.

“Artistic Director Tiffany McGehee never fails to bring the most ingenious casting of volunteer actors to the stage, showcasing talent that’s likely to rival any professional troupe,” Covington said.

In addition to kicking off the new season for the theater group, Covington said the night was made even more special with MLT celebrating its new marquee sign located out front of the playhouse and highly visible from Highway 39 North.

The sign was donated by longtime MLT supporters Manny and Melanie Mitchell, and Covington said Meridian Little Theatre officials are extremely grateful for the Mitchells’ generous support and contributions.

She also revealed they have named the theater’s lobby the Bea Mitchell Lobby in memory and tribute to “the rich legacy of Manny’s mother who was instrumental in opening the Highway 39 playhouse.”

Described as dark and outrageously funny, “Sweeney Todd” was awarded eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, for its Broadway premiere. It is a musical thriller about a 19th century London barber, named Benjamin Barker, who returns to the city seeking revenge against the evil Judge Turpin who framed him and ravaged his young wife. Now using the name Sweeney Todd, the barber sets up shop above Mrs. Lovett’s struggling pie shop and goes on a murderous rampage, inspiring Lovett to come up with a new ingredient for her meat pies that become extremely popular with the people of London.

“Sweeney Todd” will run through Sunday at Meridian Little Theatre, located at 4334 Highway 39. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

Individual tickets, as well as season tickets for all four MLT productions planned this season, are currently available online at meridianlittletheatre.com.