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

[Reginald Tresilian]

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.

[givesmevoice]

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

Saving Mr. Todd!

What brilliant and unexpected casting this is.

[Gothampc]

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

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

[Musicaldudepeter]

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

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

[ljay889]

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.

[HorseTears]

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.

[Dollypop]

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!

[Owen22]

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.

[Musicaldudepeter]

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.

[gleek4114]

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

Amazing casting!

[PalJoey]

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

[wicked1492]

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

I SHAT

[Almira]

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

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

[devonian.t]

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!

[VeraCharles3]

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.

[After Eight]

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

[BrerBear]

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.

[tazber]

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.

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

[allofmylife]

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.

[GavestonPS]

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!?

***

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

[Kad]

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.

[Matt Rogers]

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?

[ljay889]

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

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

[PalJoey]

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

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

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

[PalJoey]

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

And I imagine Emma Thompson has film commitments.

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