David Hess out of SWEENEY TODD — Page 3

I didn't notice Yaukey losing the accent at all, save for the scene in the shop, when it clearly was a character choice, as emcee said.

Lauren Molina's performance was quite different than her performance on Broadway, it was much lighter, which fit with the slightly lighter tone of the touring production. I can't comment on Ben Magnuson's performance, as I caught Edwin Cahill as Anthony.

Ben Eakeley was alright as the Beadle - nothing special. His approach to the role was a unique one, but vocally I thought he could have gone farther (for example: he didn't hold out the first falsetto note in "Ladies in Their Sensitivities", leaving a gaping hole in the music).

The only spot where I noticed David Garry being unsure was when he had to get rough with Kaye. He seemed tentative when he went for her throat... but I'm assuming that has something to do with the lack of rehearsal time they've had together. Otherwise, he seemed completely comfortable in the role. And looks like Michael Cerveris? Garry probably has a good 25 or more pounds on Cerveris... the only real similarity they shared was the fact they were bald. I don't know what you are talking about, jaystarr.

Likewise, I thought Keith Buterbaugh was the weak spot of the production. I did not like his interpretation of the role... making the Judge charming as opposed to dominating just didn't work for me. In addition, his "Johanna" was incredibly rushed, which completely ruined everything the song stands for.

You mean, re orchestrate from the revival?

Because revival Sweeney played the guitar, during 'Johanna' and another part which I can't remember exactly, I think it was 'Not While I'm Around'. But you could be right, since Hess played the trumpet I guess they'll probably just keep it the same, since Alex is the greatest trumpetist ever. :)

It was during Not While I'm Around And it was the most perfect creepy guitar playing ever.

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Fantabulous is right. During the Broadway production, Sweeney was just to the side of Mrs. Lovett and Toby during "Not While I'm Around" playing the guitar. On the tour no one is playing the guitar.

I doubt if Mary Travis would re-orchestrate ST to include guitar.

Mary Travis? Is that the one-stop Doyle orchestrator?

Sarah Travis. Mary-Mitchell Campbell did Company.

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Updated On: 11/7/07 at 10:06 PM

Just posting some quick thoughts on Sweeney's first performance (11/6) although I think press night itself was 11/7.

Due to David Hess (2005 Broadway revival cast Sweeney standby and 2007 Tour cast Sweeney) was placed on vocal rest, David Garry (who I think of as bald!Sweeney) has stepped into the role. His name (along with Judy Kaye's) are part of the titled advertisements even though Hess' remains on the windowcard...

I've come to believe that watching a Doyle directed Sondheim production almost demands that you sit very close to the stage - just because the nuanced acting would be lost if viewed from a distance. Seeing Company from the fifth row meant that you could gain both the overall perspective of the scenic design and choreography while being close enough to see the actors emote (or Raul sweat, as it were). :) Upon hearing that Sweeney tickets were being released for sale, I'd pounced upon second row center orchestra seats. :)

I love Patti LuPone, but I also love Judy Kaye. I believe that Kaye is enjoying her performances as Mrs Lovett, and more importantly, there's a mad lightness, or a sense of fun imbued into her portrayal of Lovett that makes her character... lovable. LuPone's Lovett was different - much more... restrained (if I might use that word).

Doyle's theatrical concept of actors as musicians (or vis-versa) works for Sweeney Todd in many different ways than it did for Company. In this production of Sweeney, the instruments are not so much a part of the actor as they are a part of the set design. Having Johanna (Lauren Molina) physically hide behind her cello changes the perception that we (the audience) have formed. In Company, the instrument was an extension of the actor, while in Sweeney, the instrument is an extension of the set - whether it's the sound of the dripping 'blood' that is poured from bucket to bucket - an eerie reminder of the 'murder' that has just happened, or the fact that the cello and bass to 'box' in Tobias changes the nature of the sparse physical stage scenery.

Other aspects that I'd noticed: Katrina Yaukey (Pirelli) chose to drop her 'faux Italian' accent into a 'generic' "American accent" aka "no accent" which makes that 'reveal' all the more jarring to the audience - no longer is Pirelli an 'exotic' character that's challenged Todd, but an 'equal' in the sense that David Garry (Todd) has also chosen to not adopt a British accent for his character.

The costume design focuses on classic black/dark colours - the Beadle (Benjamin Eakeley) gets a very swank suit, and Judge Turpin (Keith Buterbaugh) wore a dark blue suit; while Mrs Lovett wore black with white (her apron). The second act Lovett costume was sequined and sparkly, and no longer were her fishnet stockings holey - indicating that she'd risen up in the world. :)

I look forward to seeing another performance of this tour cast with Alexander Gemignani as Sweeney Todd later in its run. :)