First pics of Sweeney Todd- Page 3

[kgee30]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:25pm

I'm glad I'm not the only one excited about this -- I certainly think the material is strong enough to support a different interpretation, and Sondheim himself has long made it clear that his initial concept of the show was small, intimate, and creepy. He sounded very excited about this production when he talked about it at Ravinia, and I'm surprised to read so many negative comments here before it's even opened in previews. I don't mean any disrespect, honestly, but how can something nobody's seen yet be called "a mess"?
Updated On: 8/31/05 at 04:25 PM

[RockabyeHamlet]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:33pm

oh my.. i really hope i didnt interpret this to mean their going to try to have all the actors in Fogg's Asyleum pretend their putting on a production of sweeny... that sounds absolutly horrid...

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:41pm

I am extremely excited for this show and I will put my faith in Stephen Sondheim. The man is the defintion of experimental theatre and he is a Broadway Baby through and through these two things combined with a genius score and book are going to be wonderful together. Personally I would much rather see a Sweeney Todd with risks, a Sweeney Todd that isn't the Hal Prince production we're used to. I love the idea that they are changing what the norm is. I understand it makes people uncomfortable but I trust the genius of Sondheim and the beauty of experimenting. If it works then fantastic, if it doesn't then there isn't any of my money lost that I can't make back. ]

Place your faith in the material. This show isn't impervious to casting and I have my doubts about Lupone and Cerveris but I also know they were cast for a reason and we may not see that reason in the photographs but hopefully we will in the production.

Right now the instruments appear to be a gimmick but what if they're not? What if it really does add some sort of a subconcious depth to the proceedings. I wish nothing but the best to the cast and though I won't be able to see it, I will be sending flowers to the theatre on Opening Night!

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:41pm

Assuming it's like it was in London, the idea of it taking place entirely in Fogg's asylum, is just a loose jumping ground.

This is a Pirendellian approach to the material. In many ways its completely absurdist. You either get it, or you don't, if you approach it from a realistic perspective it will go completely over your head. It's a wild ride, but, thank god its not another Hal Prince staging.

[morosco]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:42pm

"...that sounds absolutly horrid..."

I agree. I might have to go see this after all!! This production will probably play like CARRIE...half the audience cheering and half the audience laughing out loud.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:45pm

Morosco, if it played like CARRIE, it wouldn't be coming to Broadway.

[morosco]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:45pm

Why did folks bitch and moan about the tiny orchestra in the recent revival of FOLLIES but here they are cheering the virtual elimination of the orchestra all together?

[morosco]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:48pm

"Morosco, if it played like CARRIE, it wouldn't be coming to Broadway."

Just a guess at how the audiences will respond.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:48pm

Because the concept is the entire reason for the revival. SWEENEY is done at opera houses all over the world with huge orchestras -- including NYCO.

If FOLLIES had:

1. Opened in London in a production with a small orchestra adored by Stephen Sondheim, it would have transfered to Broadway too.

I love how everyone second guesses the writer on this particular revival. It's his show. He wants this production on Broadway. Who's to argue with that?

[morosco]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:50pm

"I love how everyone second guesses the writer on this particular revival. It's his show. He wants this production on Broadway. Who's to argue with that?"

But why did he allow a lousy production of FOLLIES to play Broadway? It's his show. Did he want it on Broadway?

[RockabyeHamlet]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 4:50pm

"Morosco, if it played like CARRIE, it wouldn't be coming to Broadway. "

- why not? Alot of things come to Broadway that shouldnt. Its a classic show. People will see it and the producers know it.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 5:00pm

"But why did he allow a lousy production of FOLLIES to play Broadway? It's his show. Did he want it on Broadway? "

It wasn't a transfer, so how is it relevent?

[morosco]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 5:04pm

"It wasn't a transfer, so how is it relevent?"

Now I see your point.

But I'm still against any musical without an orchestra. Even if the "concept" is the justification.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 5:26pm

the whole concept fascinates me. and I love the idea of Sweeney being played by a younger man with a bit of sex appeal because now all the horrible things Lovett does are even more justified because she not only wants to be with him, but she's got the hots for him... plus LuPone and Cerveris had awesome chemistry in PASSION so their performances here should be rather exciting... we all know that Stephen originally wanted the show to be small, intimate and scary so I'll be exciting to see that vision realized.

[Mythus]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 5:54pm

That's like saying you saw the poster for Wicked and thought it was about candle-dipping.

Uh...actually, it's nothing like saying that, because if I recall there are no candles being dipped in the Wicked poster.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 5:56pm

that confused me too. I just assumed they changed the wicked poster...

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 6:54pm

Instead of bitching about the actors playing the instruments, be greatful there will be LIVE MUSIC.

[Marguerite Chauvelin]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 7:04pm

That's very true. I saw the National Tour of Miss Saigon with the prerecorded music (shudders at thought). It had sound issues which really got to me. I like live music!

[Katecab99]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 7:24pm

i am SO excited!

[morosco]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 7:29pm

"Instead of bitching about the actors playing the instruments, be greatful there will be LIVE MUSIC."

They were trying to do it with a prerecorded orchestra?

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 7:34pm

No. But Broadway could easily be taken over by virtual music. And I am greatful for live music, no matter who is playing it. Actors, or an orch.

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 7:37pm

I can just see the FORBIDDEN BROADWAY spoof of this now, where Professor Harold Hill comes in to teach the cast of Sweeney Todd how to play their band instruments, using the "think" system.

Bring it on!!!!

[morosco]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 7:45pm

"And I am greatful for live music, no matter who is playing it. Actors, or an orch."

I am greatful for live music as well. It's just that I'm a bit of a size queen when it comes to how many musicians are in the pit (or onstage).

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 9:13pm

Hmm...this production better be good, that's all I can say!

[Taryn]

Posted: 8/31/05 at 9:46pm

I'll be happy to see a live production of Sweeney Todd. Especially on Broadway.