Elphieisperky's review of "Sweeney Todd"

My aunt is in town, so we're trying to squeeze in some shows this weekend. Our first show was last night, Sweeney Todd, which I've never seen before. I won't review the songs, just the people, due to another show we're seeing soon.

Johanna-Lauren Molina: Very good. Her voice was amazing, and her scenes were touching yet funny. We met her afterwards, and because they have no show today, we were able to really talk to them. She played the cello by the way, and said that the directors called for it for the part, it wasn't just something she picked out.

Anthony-Benjamin Magnuson: Good job, I liked him. He played the part well. We also met him afterward, and he, like the rest of the cast, really talked to us, and asked us over and over how we enjoyed the show.

Beggar Women-Diana Dimarzio: Good, funny and good. She also played the part very well. That's a good role, and she knew it. Didn't meet her after the show.

Jonas Fogg-John Arbo: I get him and The Beadle mixed up, which isn't so good! But after reading the Playbill again, I know who this guy is. Not a huge part, but he did very well.

The Beadle-Alexander Gemignani: There were girls all around me going crazy about him in Assassins. He was very good, a funny role in the beginning. Met him after the show.

Tobias-Manoel Felciano: Wow. Great job. We talked to him after, and he said that he loved singing Not While I'm Around to Patti, because she really listens. He's also really cute.

Pirelli-Donna Lynne Champlin: She was very good, I loved what she brought to her role. Also very, very nice at the stage door.

Judge Turpin-Mark Jacoby: Pretty good, I liked him. Not much to say, just that he was good.

Sweeney Todd-Michael Cerveris: Amazing. He and Patti stole the show. Also from Assassins, so people were thrilled to see him. He took forever at the stage door though, so we left without an autograph, but he was still really good.

Mrs. Lovett-Patti LuPone: What an honor to see her in this. She was VERY sick tonight, we didn't know how sick until Manoel told us. He said she hit the triangle, coughed, hit it again, coughed. She even had tissues onstage. And she signed everyone's Playbill at the stage door, until she got to two people before me, and then he said she really wanted to go home. I was bummed that she couldn't sign, but I felt bad for her. But besides that, she was perfect, and really made the role.

So, great show. I'm glad I saw it. We're seeing Sweet Charity today, I'll try to review that as well. Thanks for your time! Bye!

I'm glad you enjoyed the show.

But I have a question: Why is Pirelli a woman in this production? Even as I was watching the show, I couldn't figure it out.

She plays it as a man. The reason she's a woman is because it balances the sound out (4 women, 6 men instead of 3 women, 7 men).

I saw Sweeney last night 10/15. It is an interesting adaptation and has the gimmick of cast and orchestra combined. It sometimes works brilliantly and often distracted as well. The direction is muddled and confusing. I went to see Ms. Lupone and was very disappointed in what appeared to me a mailed in performance. It was very low key and uninspired. It makes you realize how amazing Lansbury was in the original. Hated the costumes and use of the stage. I had a big head in front of me that blocked center stage and most key moments were staged direct center. It was very confined staging. Michael Cerveris was very low key too and seemed too young for the role and it appeared as though the role was to low for his voice. I wanted he and Lupone to rip out and blow the roof off the act one closing number and it did not happen. The supporting cast is incredible and worked the hardest in this production. If you love Sweeney,Prepare for untraditional,and an opportunity to wallow in the brilliance of the material despite a problematic production. Many new faces and voices to be amazed by ... I hope Miss Lupone and Mr. Cerveris get a better grip on the roles and let loose... far too restrained. Interesting Side bar... Hal Prince was two rows ahead of us and was respectful. I asked him how he like the show... He said respectfully "I love the material". He added that he thought the performers did a wonderful job.

I'm glad you enjoyed Sweeney, elphieisperky! The website looks impressive--if I were in NYC I'd definitely check this show out! Thanks for the review!

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Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully I'm going to see it on saturday:)

Did you enjoy Denis O'Hare as Oscar?

Honestly, I believe that Pirelli is a woman for the main reason that the character really ISN'T Pirelli. It's a doctor in the insane asylum who assumes the role of Pirelli for Toby's story-telling purposes, gender-blind.

Or maybe I'm reading too far into it.

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