Bryn Terfel to Play Sweeney Todd in London

[kec]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 10:22am

Per this article from the Guardian. It's mentioned in the fifth paragraph
A Great Song and Dance -- Something for Everyone as South Bank Reopens

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 10:31am

I know he's talented, but every time I see his name in print it looks like my cat just sat on my keyboard.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 10:33am

I had tickets to see him at Lincoln Center...he didnt show up.

[kec]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 10:33am

LOL... I know, I have to keep checking to see if I spell his name correctly -- I usually leave out the second "e" in his last name.

[D2]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 10:35am

HAHAHAHAHAHA

B12B: Best laugh I've had in a while.

[sondhead]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 11:01am

I have NOT heard an private recording of him performing the role in Chicago and could NOT tell you that he sings an excellent Sweeney, if overly operatic. It's not the emotion that we're used to but it's technically wonderful. Definitely worth hearing.

Len Cariou is still my favorite.

[Fenchurch]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 11:22am

FINALLY SOMEONE WHO CAN ACTUALLY SING!

Im very excited about this, I hope they release a recording.

[kec]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 11:27am

According to something I saw on a UK message board, this will be a three-show run only. I couldn't confirm that on the South Bank Website, though
South Bank Center

[Sing a Song With Me]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 12:03pm

FINALLY SOMEONE WHO CAN ACTUALLY SING

What does this even mean? Every Sweeney I've seen or heard could sing and sing it very well. Do you mean "someone who can actually sing operatically?" Well, maybe. But even the New York City Opera's production featured some fine classical voices taking on Mr. Todd.

[massofmen]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 12:37pm

no no..i think he means cause Michael Cerveris cannot sing the role (nor act it). Whoever thought of putting a psuedo rock tenor into the role of a bass baritone is horribly inane. Without resonance in those low notes, the part is not as obliteratingly scary with nuance. Even though I have reservations about Mr. Tyrfel (sp?) acting chops at least it will be nice to hear a well sung Sweeney.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 1:39pm

I had the pleasure of seeing Terfel twice during his run as Sweeney in Chicago. Vocally, he is perfection. He was a bit tentative in the acting department, but this was his debut in the role and for a singer not used to performing spoken dialogue I am sure he will become more comfortable with it the more he performs the role. I think with more experience he could be the definitive Sweeney. I hope that he is paired with a Lovett who can match him in size, as the woman in the Chicago production (who's name escapes me) was rather pathetic.

[Weez]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 1:42pm

I am so there! Marvellous! :3

*prepares to book ticket!*

Sometimes I LOVE living in the UK. :3

Updated On: 1/26/07 at 01:42 PM

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 1:59pm

Kec, it does say only three performances in that linked article.

[kec]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 2:08pm

Thanks Sueleen -- I only skimmed the article at first and haven't had a chance to read it again.

[jo]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 6:07pm

Kec,

Bryn once had Michael Ball as guest performer in his show at the music festival he sponsors somewhere in Wales ( not sure but it is one of those difficult-to-spell Welsh names as well, -maybe it is Faenol ) and they did duets of Michel LeGrand songs. So, Bryn can also cross over to a more pop genre and sound wonderful as well.

Jo

[keen on kean]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 10:37pm

The only thing worse than spelling Bryn's name is pronouncing it! He sang the Flanders and Swann song, "MUD", as an encore at Carnegie hall, proving he can get away with just about anything.

[kec]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 3:24am

I'd love to see him in this, but it's just not going to be possible. I've only seen him sing once, on a tape I have of performances by British Soprano Lesley Garrett. Terfel and Garrett sang "Bess You is My Woman Now" from Porgy and Bess, and wow, did I get goosebumps.

[Weez]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 4:55am

Bryn Terfel is an easy name to pronounce. And spell for that matter. O_O You guys need to meet more Welshmen...

[kec]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 7:20am

I have no problem with pronouncing his name, but I DO have problems with some of the towns, i.e. Llangollen -- and no it doesn't sound like it looks!

[Weez]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 7:34am

My favourite one is Machynlleth. If it sounds rude, then you're saying it right. ;D But Welsh is a very phonetic language, so if you take the time to learn how they pronounce things like "ll" or "y" or "f" then you're laughing and will be able to pronounce pretty much any Welsh word. Even though they will continue to sound wrong forever. (I lived there for three years and still have issues convincing my ears that I'm pronouncing things correctly. )

Updated On: 1/27/07 at 07:34 AM

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 1:07pm

Talk about a thread jack! Have they announced any of the other casting yet?

[keen on kean]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 3:41pm

Weez - so how do you pronounce it - phonetically pls? I have most often heard "Brian Turvel." Is that close?

[Gelfling]

Posted: 1/29/07 at 5:08am

I don't know if they should get someone with so much vocal technique the part even for a short run so close to the Johnny Depp massacre...

[Eastwickian]

Posted: 1/29/07 at 8:35am

I've always pronounced it 'Brin Ter-fel' (and rolling the first 'r' gives it a bit more resonance )

I can't believe that I'm on holiday (in the US!) when this is on - having only seen the Doyle production, I'd kill to hear the score performed by an orchestra...

[kec]

Posted: 1/29/07 at 8:54am

Sueleen, I haven't seen any other cast announcements as yet.

Eastwickian, I share your pain. I'm going to be in London July 13-16 to see Kismet. I'll be in the midst of a move at that point, so there is no way I can get to see this performance.