Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd — Page 2

#26

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 7:25pm

Sublime casting.

She's a great dramatic actress, extraordinarily funny, and she can sing.

It wasn't for nothing that back at Cambridge she was dubbed "Emma Talented" by the likes of Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

#27

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 7:59pm

Saving Mr. Todd!

What brilliant and unexpected casting this is.

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When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain. -Kad

#28

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 8:10pm

Patti LuPone as the Beggar Woman? Bwhahahahaha. City on fire indeed!!

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If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.

#29

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 8:17pm

I wonder was Patti pissed that she wasn't asked back to do it finally with Terfel...

#30

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 8:23pm

The likelihood of this being filmed is pretty high, right? Even though there's a film of the original concert? I'm not sure I want to shell out the money for this.

#31

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 8:40pm

I have to agree with others who have mixed feelings about this announcement. On one hand, I’m surprised and intrigued by Thompson’s casting and am very much looking forward to seeing her in the role. But then there’s Bryn Terfel. Sure, he’s a technically proficient singer, but what an absolute bore on stage. He’s probably going to do that really ugly awkward thing in which he sings out of the side of his mouth like some operatic Elvis, too.

#32

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 8:41pm

Let's hope that Bryn doesn't bail out at the last minute the way he did last time!

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"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)

#33

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 9:07pm

Please. When has there ever been a Sweeney who hasn't been, at the very least sometimes boring. Its the least interesting character in the show (and I've seen Brian Stokes Mitchell do the part!). Pure vengeance becomes redundant and static in a character and Sweeney is no different. He does has some gorgeous music to sing that saves the character somewhat, but even Johnny Depp was somewhat stifled by the role.

#34

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 9:16pm

I agree! No matter who plays the role of Sweeney, it's Mrs. Lovett's show 100%, always has been. In 1979, it was Lansbury's show, in 2005, it was Patti's show... Sweeney has very little dialogue, lots to sing, and basically just stands there brooding for the whole show. I brought this up in a thread aaaaaaages ago and was eaten alive by many because I stated that Sondheim wrote better for females than he did for males, and Sweeney is testament to this statement.

#35

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 10:03pm

Amazing casting!

#36

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 10:43pm

Bryn Terfel doing the "Epiphany" and then "A Little Priest" with Maria Friedman as Mrs. Lovett.

http://youtu.be/ba6U4mZpG6Y

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#37

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/9/13 at 11:41pm

I SHAT

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"These rabid fans...possess the acting talent to portray the hooker...Linda Eder..." -The New York Times

#38

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 1:50am

Happy News Indeed!

Thompson is excellent on stage. I saw her many times doing DREAM (Helena) and LEAR (Fool) in rep with then husband Branagh.

He was the big draw back then, but SHE shone brightest on stage. I envy those who get to see this!







VIDEO: Thompson/ ME AND MY GIRL

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Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Updated On: 10/10/13 at 01:50 AM

#39

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 2:32am

I was lucky enough to see Me & My Girl with the original cast- she was PHENOMENAL!

She is a great dramatic actress but she also has impeccable comic timing and what a brain!

I am so jealous at the moment that I hope all those ****ty pants are extremely uncomfortable!

#40

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 3:36am

A lot of people seem to be on laxatives on here!!

This is unexpected casting. Exciting casting. That's the best type of casting.

Wish I was coming to NYC to see it. Maybe I will.

#41

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 3:48am

Another Sweeney Todd!

It's so overdue.

Why, it's already been ten minutes since its last revival.

Now, please, someone, give us a revival of Merrily We Roll Along!

Updated On: 10/10/13 at 03:48 AM

#42

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 4:14am

Somehow I have got to get in and see this. Inspired casting.
Thompson has been my favorite actress for decades now, and yes she can sing it. She's got a great voice.

This could also help wash the terrible Kelsey Grammar Sweeny performance I saw in LA in the late 90s out of my brain.

#43

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 6:08am

Count me in with the laxative gang. There has been some amazing casting this season, but this...THIS IS THE APEX.

Damn, I am stoked for this.

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....but the world goes 'round

Updated On: 10/10/13 at 06:08 AM

#44

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 6:46am

Stage debut my untalented foot. I saw her at least half-a-dozen times in Me and My Girl at the Adelphi in London. She was wonderful.

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#45

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 7:41pm

I understand Owen's point about Sweeney being rather one-note. But I promise that Len Carious wasn't boring; he was terrifying! And hilarious! And heart-breaking! He doesn't have the voice of a Bob Gunton or George Hearn, but Cariou is such a cerebral performer one was drawn irresistibly into Sweeney's mind. What was he thinking and who would be his next victim!?

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As for "stage debut", that's quite a typo. Thompson's on-stage LOOK BACK IN ANGER with Brannagh was filmed. We saw her here in Los Angeles (at the Taper) doing Shakespeare when Brannagh's company made its California debut.

She has the skills for stage work. No problem.

Updated On: 10/10/13 at 07:41 PM

#46

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 8:36pm

After Eight rolls his eyes and sneers but god know he'll be there, if only to tell us what a miserable time he had.

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"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

#47

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 8:43pm

So would this mean that the recent London revival that got all the rave reviews is not coming in?

#48

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 9:22pm

NY Phil concerts generally do not transfer. Have any? They are usually limited starry events.

#49

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 9:35pm

It couldn't transfer with Bryn Terfel. Opera stars are usually booked several years in advance.

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Updated On: 10/10/13 at 09:35 PM

#50

Emma Thompson to make stage debut as Lovett in the NY Phil's Sweeney Todd

Posted: 10/10/13 at 9:35pm

And I imagine Emma Thompson has film commitments.

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Updated On: 10/10/13 at 09:35 PM