The original did indeed have the pipe organ opening (as Sweeney's grave was being dug), followed by the factory whistle.
The show was huge, no doubt about it, almost to the point of dwarfing the actors. Prince's design team brought an entire abanoned factory building over from New Jersey and had it installed as the set, so everything was performed inside the gigantic shell.
As much as I loved the original, it always felt a little too big. It was written as an hommage to Grand Guignol style theatre, not grand opera, but there were moments -- like Sweeney cutting the judge's throat with this huge arcing gesture that sent a stream of blood flying offstage right -- that just seriously *worked*.
The revival was fun, but I have to admit my estimation of it has gone down now that I know this is Doyle's "thing".
(And no, we dont need to start up that argument again. You're not gonna change my mind on this, folks, not until I see it in performance and have Doyle's work change it for you.)
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