#29
Posted: 7/16/06 at 8:50am
"If I had to choose a second best, it would probably be Quilley in the first London production, based on the considerable evidence of his performance that's out there, including all the excerpts in that BBC "Making of Sweeney Todd special.. "
Whilst Quilley was excellent in the Prince version, he shone darkly in Declan Donnellan's RNT production - which I found to be a far better production than the original and of course he had the perfect sparring partner in the definitive Mrs Lovett - Julia McKenzie. He was also an exceptional Judge when the production first opened at the Cottesloe.
Whilst Quilley was excellent in the Prince version, he shone darkly in Declan Donnellan's RNT production - which I found to be a far better production than the original and of course he had the perfect sparring partner in the definitive Mrs Lovett - Julia McKenzie. He was also an exceptional Judge when the production first opened at the Cottesloe.
#30
Posted: 7/17/06 at 2:55am
Unfortunately, I didn't see that production. I wish I had. I've read so much great stuff about it but I don't love what I hear on the BBC broadcast. I don't know how accurately it represents what the performances were like onstage. I do prefer what I've seen and heard of Quilley in 1980 to what I've heard of him in 1993, but I realize that the broadcast is not a complete or even necessarily accurate way to judge him as he might have been adjusting his stage performance, scaling it down a bit. I certainly wouldn't want to judge Cariou's performance solely by what's on the recording.
The person I really like on the BBC broadcast is Sheila Reid. When she starts to bark like a dog . . . Well, I really wish I could have seen her. Merle Louise was amazing, but Reid sounds pretty great as well.
The person I really like on the BBC broadcast is Sheila Reid. When she starts to bark like a dog . . . Well, I really wish I could have seen her. Merle Louise was amazing, but Reid sounds pretty great as well.
Updated On: 7/17/06 at 02:55 AM
#31
Posted: 7/17/06 at 3:20am
I've seen all of them mentioned here, loved each one I've seen. Each brought a unique voice to whatever production they were in.
But enough of democracy, I saw Len and as it was written for him, he 'got' the humor, pathos and subtleties of the vocal lines just right. However, it nearly killed his voice as he is more of an actor than singer.
In a few years we will all bring up this debate again, because Depp will surprise us all, I hope.
Like Len, Sondheim always prefers an actor who sings than a singer who acts (Mandy included--even though he doesn't realize always that he's truly an actor). It's more important to get the word and intent across than the notes. The rest will take care of itself.
Ask any composer...
But enough of democracy, I saw Len and as it was written for him, he 'got' the humor, pathos and subtleties of the vocal lines just right. However, it nearly killed his voice as he is more of an actor than singer.
In a few years we will all bring up this debate again, because Depp will surprise us all, I hope.
Like Len, Sondheim always prefers an actor who sings than a singer who acts (Mandy included--even though he doesn't realize always that he's truly an actor). It's more important to get the word and intent across than the notes. The rest will take care of itself.
Ask any composer...
"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
#32
Posted: 7/17/06 at 9:14am
I'm not a fan of the BBC recording it seems oddly antiseptic which is not at all what you got in the theatre. One night I was there a lady had to be removed from the audience because Mr Quilley had induced premature childbirth, wettings of seat were not unkown I'm told.
The point with Quilley was that you always knew there was a good voice there but he always sang in character - that's something that neither Cariou or Hearn could seem to do there's always seemed to be that narcissitic need to show what a great full-throated singer they were or at least attempted to be - it's not really the character, as Sondheim has said it's not necessary to sing Sweeney well it needs the force of the character behind it. Quilley was a consumate actor as well as musician but he knew what was needed for the part.
(I also could never get over CAriou or Hearn's accent or lack thereof)
The point with Quilley was that you always knew there was a good voice there but he always sang in character - that's something that neither Cariou or Hearn could seem to do there's always seemed to be that narcissitic need to show what a great full-throated singer they were or at least attempted to be - it's not really the character, as Sondheim has said it's not necessary to sing Sweeney well it needs the force of the character behind it. Quilley was a consumate actor as well as musician but he knew what was needed for the part.
(I also could never get over CAriou or Hearn's accent or lack thereof)
Updated On: 7/17/06 at 09:14 AM
#33
Posted: 7/17/06 at 10:11am
George Hearn. I saw him at the Sondheim concert in chicago and even at this age he rocks hell as Sweeney. And his Epiphany is as good as it gets.
<------ Me and my friends with patti Lupone at my friends afterparty for her concert with audra mcdonald during the summer of 2007.
"I am sorry but it is an unjust world and virtue is only triumphant in theatricle performances" The Mikado
"I am sorry but it is an unjust world and virtue is only triumphant in theatricle performances" The Mikado
#34
Posted: 7/17/06 at 10:20am
George Hearn, he was great in the video (legal with Angela Lansberry) and he was better live (Sondhiem in the Park. He is one of those voices that hasnt changed at all.
#36
Posted: 7/17/06 at 3:33pm
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Brian Stokes Mitchell, who played Sweeney in the Kennedy Center's Sondheim Celebration. He sang the role thrillingly and was genuinely frightening at points. I enjoyed his performance in that production better than his turns in Ragtime, Kiss Me Kate, or Kismet. And that's really saying something.
That said, I'd give anything to have experienced Len, Angela, and Victor Garber live in the original production. I have a sneaking suspicion Len would have been my favorite.
That said, I'd give anything to have experienced Len, Angela, and Victor Garber live in the original production. I have a sneaking suspicion Len would have been my favorite.
#38
Posted: 7/17/06 at 7:22pm
Len Cariou, hands down. I enjoyed Michael Cerveris in the role, but there was something missing from his performance that I can't quite put my finger on. And while George Hearn has some great moments and an amazing voice, there are times where I find him to be to hammy for my tastes.
Stop looking at my charisma.
#39
Posted: 7/17/06 at 10:24pm
Len Cariou The Original!!!
________________________________________________________________
"Attend The Tale Of Sweeney Todd!"
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"Attend The Tale Of Sweeney Todd!"
#40
Posted: 7/17/06 at 10:26pm
Hearn's "Ephiphany" (If I spelt it wrong, sorry, I'm tired and I should go to bed even though it's not too late.) is so well done. I loved Cerveris', but Hearn really was enraged. Cariou was fine in that song, but I felt (at least on the album) he sang it too much. I know it's a musical and you're supposed to sing and all, but I feel that's one song that (to a certain degree) must be screamed at an audience.
#41
Posted: 7/17/06 at 10:58pm
I really truly am not a fan of Hearn's. I've seen the legal San Francisco video and he just... his Sweeney lends him no sympathy from me. Michael Cerveris is definitely my favorite, because his Sweeney is a real person, albeit a madman, he's a madman whose path you can see and follow him down, almost. I think his vocals are incredible, but he's still one of the most talented actors out there today.
"It does what a musical's supposed to do. It takes you to another world, and it gives you a little tune to carry with you in your head for when you're feeling blue."
#42
Posted: 7/17/06 at 11:01pm
George Hearn.
I (literally) just watched the concert dvd and holy crap.
Cerveris is okay, but he seems a little weirder to me. I wasn't alive when Cariou was Sweeney so I can't judge.
Oh and by the way: the near end of The Judge's Return (THAT part), when Sweeney is really, really angry... in the concert Hearn is visibly infuriated and it scares the hell out of me. I adore the orchestration of the revival but George Hearn please.
I (literally) just watched the concert dvd and holy crap.
Cerveris is okay, but he seems a little weirder to me. I wasn't alive when Cariou was Sweeney so I can't judge.
Oh and by the way: the near end of The Judge's Return (THAT part), when Sweeney is really, really angry... in the concert Hearn is visibly infuriated and it scares the hell out of me. I adore the orchestration of the revival but George Hearn please.
#43
Posted: 7/18/06 at 12:03am
I did mention Brian Stokes Mitchell, though not favorably. His performance was too stylized for my taste. I would be happy to see him try the role again—with a different director.
#44
Posted: 7/18/06 at 12:19am
George Hearn!!! I think he is most well-rounded Sweeney.
#45
Posted: 7/18/06 at 11:14am
George Hearn and Len Cariou run neck and neck, although I give the slight edge to Hearn. Cariou seemed more vulnerable, but Hearn seemed to really tap into the menace and madness of the part and gave me chills. Opposite Lansbury, he is outstanding. Brian Stokes Mitchell would be my next choice, with Cerveris bringing up the rear, although I truly believe that his performance seems weaker in contrast to the others because I find that the style of the revival mutes the effect of the leading performances rather than enhances them. He might well be brilliant in a full-on production.
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