Composer Stephen Sondheim obviously is quite proud of Tim Burton's screen adaptation of his "Sweeney Todd."

He held private screenings for V.I.P.s in London last week and in New York City last night. At the Manhattan unveiling were the two stars who won Tony Awards for originating the lead roles on Broadway in 1979 — Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou — plus Patti Lupone who headlined the recent Rialto revival. Also there was all-time Tony champ Hal Prince, who picked up the fifth of his 8 Tonys for directing the 1979 show.

"Ms. Lansbury stayed and chatted after the screening for about an hour before we took her to her car," a studio rep reports.

Attending the London screening: Paul McCartney, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Barbara Cook, Trevor Nunn and Cameron Macintosh.

Tonight "Sweeney" will be shown to U.S. media in New York and Los Angeles for the first time. I'll be at the New York screening being held at AMC Lincoln Square at 7 p.m. ET. Technically, there's an embargo against reviewing the film, but I think we journos are permitted to give general impressions and report on audience reax. Afterward, I will report what I can.