Another Sweeney Todd Review- Page 2

[robbiej]

Posted: 11/2/05 at 11:38am

Well...props (and, in this case, instruments) should always be used as an extension of character. The way one holds, say, a cigarette will tell you a great deal about a character. I just felt that the humor that is inherent in the piece was always mined, and much humor that was found was because of props...not how they were used, but simply the fact that it existed.

[MoonOnAstring]

Posted: 11/2/05 at 7:39pm

But why shouldn't Patti take full advantage of her tuba ?
I actually felt that the humor emanating from the characters was more pronounced in this production. "Kiss Me" is an especcially good example...

In general, there were, I think, I lot more humourous moments which adds to the emotional rollercoaster ride this show is.

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 11/2/05 at 7:48pm

The comment about Patti- EXACTLY. I think what the director was trying to do was to not act like it doesn't exist but face reality in the fact that you are playing the tuba and it looks hilarious!

I also agree that in stripping away other layers of the show, the humor is most evident!

[YessicaB]

Posted: 11/2/05 at 10:33pm

To me everything about the show was just great I loved it. I saw it on Saturday night and all of the actors were just phenomenal.

[Tiny-Toon]

Posted: 11/2/05 at 10:36pm

Everyone gotta see this show. It's unbelievable!

[YessicaB]

Posted: 11/2/05 at 10:42pm

Agreed, Tiny.

[MoonOnAstring]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:16am

Today's the big day!

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/96037.html

I'm so nervous... I really hope the reviews will reflect how amazing this show is.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:20am

I hope so, too!

I am still blown away by the talent on that stage.

They deserve a special Tony for being an incredible ensemble of actors, singers, musicians, stagehands... They played the entire Sondheim score without music! Incredible! And, all while seamlessly moving props around the stage, staying in character, revising costumes and performing flawlessly.

Kudos to the lighting as well. Very effective.

[MoonOnAstring]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:26am

And that on top of the fact that they are playing/singing one of the most complex scores in the history of musical theater!!!

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:37am

Exactly!

I was stunned as I watched it. Simply stunned at the talent.

[robbiej]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:20am

'I actually felt that the humor emanating from the characters was more pronounced in this production. "Kiss Me" is an especcially good example...'

I agree with you about KISS ME, if only for the marvelous Lauren Molina...such a clear, precise characterization.

But I'm really confused about everyone's assertion that the humor has finally been found in SWEENEY TODD. I'm just wondering how many people making these remarks have actually seen another production of SWEENEY TODD.

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:25am

It ain't about the tuba.

It's all about the triangle.

[robbiej]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:26am

Honestly, I thought I was going to take a running leap from the back mezzanine into the orchestra because of that damn triangle. I never knew I hated that instrument SO MUCH!

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:37am

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:45am

"You shouldn't lurk so much - it's wonderful to read such enthusiasm!"


...I've been meaning to say: I AGREE!

Welcome to MoonOnAstring!

[MoonOnAstring]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:55am

Thank you!!!

Robbie - The humor has ALWAYS been a part of Sweeney, you're totally right about that. I'm just saying that in this production they've found humor in places they haven't really looked before.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:58am

Loved the timing and staging of A Little Priest.

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 10:59am

and the staging for "Not While I'm Around"

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 11:01am

I just adore that song.

They could sing it bare stage and a spotlight, and I'd still love it.

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 11:01am

and I haven't minded my manners...

Welcome, MoonOnAstring!

[KMF_NYC]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 12:12pm

This production really worked for me -- and as others said, admit to going in nervous. I intentionally stayed away from the threads so I could see it as cleanly as possible...I knew people either loved it or did not with very little middle ground. The Prince production will always be a masterpiece and revered...however I think this interpretation really worked.

It did bring the basic human elements of love, rage, jealousy, et all to the forefront of the story. I felt more connected to the characters in this production than in the 8 or so stagings I have seen. I understood their motivations more.

I am still in awe of the complexity of the performances and talent on stage as already mentioned. I too found the humor more intentional in this production and found myself laughing not more, but in different places and at different times.

I felt good about the entire cast --- it was a THRILL to see LuPOne back on the Broadway in a musical...trust me -- I traveled the world to hear that woman sing and I have the frequent flyer miles to prove it...some may recall my original icon/avatar was Patti...this is a new and unique Lovett and she owns it. Yes, I felt there were a couple trademark "Patti" moments but they never overtook the character...for some not as familiar with her, they may have been missed..but she is the grand Diva....

This production should not be missed if you call yourself a fan of the theater of any kind. Even if you walk away feeling ambivalent or not in love with the concept, it should be seen simply to showcase the genius of this show, score and book and how this truly is Sondheim's masterpiece....

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 12:25pm

I may have to return and see this again. And again. To have sat there stunned, STUNNED, at the complexity fo what was going on, on stage.

[MoonOnAstring]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 12:48pm

Thanks kissmycookie! I also feel the need to return SOON because I was just so stunned that I know missed things! I was literally shaking when I walked out of that theater.

And I totdally agree with you, KMF_NYC. Not everyone is going to LOVE this production, but it's just something that MUST be seen.

[rflpfl]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 12:56pm

I really hope that the reviews are good for this show- I would hate for people not to experience it- whether they hate it or not- everyone should see this show.

What I really love about this production (and in reality I love almost everything) is that it completely strips away everything and really gets down to the core of the show in some of the most basic ways. I think it's the juxtaposition between the stripped down rawness and it's utter complexity that makes it astounding. It's as if they found the core elements of the show and rebuilt it from there up.

I think I can understand people being bored- and that's only because I feel they may shut off when something isn't entirely clear right away, and because we aren't being spoon fed everything. I'll admit- sometimes I was like "what?"- but then when I stuck with it- two minutes later I was like "oh... THAT WAS AWESOME". You really have to listen to the words. A traditional staging may be easier to watch because we don't have soo many things to think about and focus on. I think that his interpretive staging allows for a lot of imagination and freedom in how we feel the piece. To me the director created a true visual poem of Sweeney Todd- he uses the language and imagery to create the story. And for those who say the musical instruments on stage is a concept that is nothing more than a concept- I feel that in a way that's false- they actually become characters. A musical instrument or a prop becomes a character capable of illiciting humor and emotion. It's not everyday that an inanimate object becomes so crucially tied to a piece in the same manner that an actor is

What is also great about this is it's not just about a story- it's about a theatrical event- lights, costume, props, and music- coming together in equal fashion to bring a story to life. The attention to all aspects of the theater is really amazing. I find that if a Tuba can be equally as important as Pattie LuPone than something truly different and interesting is going on.

Also, again- the fact that this is on Broadway- and not a 75 seat black box downtown is great- it really exposes people to something different.

[YessicaB]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 1:06pm

When will we be able to read the first reviews? They have got be raves. Right?