Got my SWEENEY OBCR today!!

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 11:24pm

This was a long time coming. I am a HUGE Sondheim fan and this was one of the OBCRs that I didn't own. I asked for advice and, although many advised I get the LuPone/Hearn concert version, that wasn't readily available. So, even though the remastered OBCR will come out later this year, I couldn't wait that long. I sat down and listened to the whole thing in one sitting and would not move. It is PHENOMENAL. I think this show has the greatest Sondheim orchestrations ever produced. The score is positively chilling. Lansbury is positively amazing. I have seen her on the DVD with Hearn and LOVED her performance but I've never had the opportunity to really sit down and appreciate the music and it's amazing...on the verge of frightening. One thing that's amazing about the OBCR is that all of the performers are so passionate and expressive that you can get a clear picture in your head of exactly what the expression on their faces would be. Lord, what a beautiful score. I could not be more excited about the upcoming revival. I'm still reeling. (As I prepare for the repeat of PASSION tonight so that I can tape it this time.)

Does anyone see this as an opportunity for LuPone to come back to Broadway?

Updated On: 4/2/05 at 11:24 PM

[Glebb]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 11:26pm

I saw the original cast twice and wore out my records (LPs) of it. Have it on CD now. I don't think any other cast comes close to the original.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 11:26pm

WOOHOO

I am still waiting on mine...

But mainly waiting for (look down! - no pun intended)

I did get my LaChiusa's The Wild Party - as I've said

WOOHOO

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 11:32pm

Sweeney Todd is the best musical ever written. No question. Or at least the best score.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 11:33pm

After Les Mis

[pab]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 11:37pm

An absolutely brilliant recording that I'm sure you will enjoy listening to many times. I saw that cast a few times when the show first opened and years later I directed a production of this musical. It's one of favorite shows of all time.

As for the upcoming revival as opportunity for LuPone to come back to Broadway, I would think not unless she's been taking trumpet lessons.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 11:38pm

Well the casting call said that instrument playing was a plus, but not necessary for both Lovett and Todd. So, for LuPone, they might make the exception.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 11:40pm

I still don't understand how they're doing this?

::headdesk::

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 11:42pm

I think it will be brilliant.

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 12:07am

They're casting people who play instruments like Cabaret?
Updated On: 4/3/05 at 12:07 AM

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 12:11am

I love the OBCR! I'm glad you enjoy it.

Updated On: 4/3/05 at 12:11 AM

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 12:35am

BTW, The auditions for the upcoming revival were yesterday. Casting news should be starting up soon.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 12:37am

Greatest Theatrical Score Ever Written. Ever.

[magruder]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 1:31am

How about some love for Len Cariou? Hearn technically has the better voice, but Cariou scared the living daylights out of me. Hearn seems unhinged from the second he steps on stage, and doesn't even seem to like Anthony very much. Cariou, though, was the quiet, brooding, methodical character that Sondheim's lyrics describe, and when he exploded in "Epiphany," the first time that Cariou really loses it in front of the audience, it was terrifying. Since he was more haunted and less of a wild man, Cariou's Sweeney seemed more human, and tragic by the end of the evening.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 1:47am

Yeah, HEarn didn't seem scary...until the end...but then it's to end.

I was more scared of Ms. Lovett

[bially082]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 3:23am

I really wish they would put out a video with Cariou in the lead. He should do the movie =)

[paradox_error]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 7:20am

YAY!

Some Cariou love!

I really identify with his performance on the OBCR. I agree Hearn sings it better, but you can hear the scope of Cariou's performance in the recording, and was terrifyingly brilliant.

I agree Hearn didn't scare me that much (though he did), but listening to the OBCR I am in awe, and the first time I heard it I was on the edge of my seat...

[Glebb]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 8:17am

I agree with you completely magruder.

[magruder]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 10:46am

Just for starters, compare Cariou's intense, even moving line reading of "At last, my arm is complete again" (there's a slight impassioned choke in his voice when he says it) with Hearn's "AAAAAAAT LAAAAAAAAAAAAAST, MY RIGHT AAAAARM IS COMPLEEEEEEETE AGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIN!" I mean...Sweeney is standing on Fleet Street in front of a pie shop. Wouldn't the neighbors notice someone raving like a crazy person over a couple of razors?

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 11:13am

"How about some love for Len Cariou?"

Ah, the forgotten Sweeney. He did, after all, originate the part and win the Tony. I love Hearn, but to me, Cariou will always be Sweeney. His fire and intensity was so brilliant. Haunting simplicity.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 1:23pm

Congratulations!

Now, get the DVD and you'll never leave your television. If you think listening to those voices is wonderful, wait till you see their faces!