Extreme Disappointment: Sweeney DVD — Page 2

i agree pab, completely. I very badly want to see the original.

Okay - I agree that Betsy Joslyn and Cris Groenendaal suck in those roles. But to even have this on DVD - This is incredible! It gives one the feeling of what the original was like. With the exception of a few things, this WAS "Sweeney Todd" and I'm just happy this DVD exists! Wouldn't it be nice to have other things on DVD - How about the Original Cast of "Chicago" - but you know, If it were out you'ed be ripping it a new one too.

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Betsy Joeselyn is not some people's cup of tea.

But she was handpicked by Sondheim for the role (replacement on Broadway and to play the role on tour.) It was between her and Sarah Rice to originate the role on Broadway, but Sondheim went with Sarah because she had such a "young girl" quality. He loved them both. Just look at pictures of Sarah Rice as Johanna, she looks like a baby compared to Betsy.

I personally enjoy her. I don't know why some people have to be so cruel about her performance over 20 years ago. Get over it.

The only good thing Cris had going for him was his voice. His acting was rather dead.

They said Victor Garber (also a far more attractive Anthony) acted the hell out of the role.

I will NEVER begin to understand why so many people trash her Johanna. I know there is a few of us here who didn't really have a problem with her performance.

So, she played it campy, big deal?

sorry ljay, i don't want to get over it. I wanted a good performance and i didn't get it. I respect your opinion in liking her, but she pretty much ruined most of the show for me. Like i said before, i can't enjoy sweeney that much if the johanna isn't good, and i have no idea what compelled Sondheim to place that woman onstage. I hope it has something to do with George Hearn being her husband at the time. That would make sense to me.

I agree with that. I also agree that if you want a flawless Johanna interpretation might I suggest the obc?
Betsy might not be Sarah Rice, but her performance certainly is not detrimental to this stellar gem of a show that marked a theatrical turning point for most. One performer does not destroy the rest of the show, especially one like this, it only brings a new spin to the role. She was just as memorable as the rest on that stage. Her Johanna certainly was different and quirky.
Plus, maybe it just wasn't a great day for her. Have you checked Idina and Tonyas 2004 Tony award performances lately? Thats an example of 2 legendary actresses/shows/songs that are certainly theatrical standouts. However, they both didn't sound great that day, but does that mean they suck? No, things happen.
I'm sure if Betsy was horrible, she would not be on that stage. There was a reason for her being there and no matter how many people want to complain, people ALWAYS seem to find something intriguing about her. Maybe because you specifically did not find something good about her doesn't mean that her performance was a complete failure and ruined the show.

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Fair enough. Another interesting thing that I have noticed is the exposure to certain things first kind of alters the way people sometimes view things
I know the first way I ever got into sweeney was the dvd, then I bought the OBC 3 months later, then saw the concert, then the revival. By now I have seen 3 different versions and heard 3 recordings. I sort of give a lot of leeway to the tour because it was my first exposure and pretty much everything about it is memorable for me because thats where the memories started.
It is understandable too then that you are underwhelmed by what you have seen because you were already aware of how great the original cast was. I guess its just how things go, doesn't make anyone wrong with what anyone may think

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yeah i see your point, company, maybe with a few more viewings i'll learn to like it.

sporkgoddess, i think if someone had been brought up by Judge Turpin, they'd be more solemn and frightened, and less giddy and annoying. Besides, Johanna is supposed to be a figure of beauty, and innocence. i also think she's supposed to be mysterious... she's also supposed to sound like she's not having a seizure when she's singing.

There isn't much difference between Johanna's Character and her singing. At least to the extent of dialogue and stage time when she's not singing. I mean basically all she does sing, right?