Groban & Ashford in SWEENEY TODD On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread — Page 21

It is saddening that there are people on here who equate theatre with how fancy the sets are. If you want glitz and glamor and bells and whistles (not counting the factory whistle ) you are at the wrong show. Last I heard the purpose of a set is to serve the story. Having not seen anything but the pics of a bit of the set on here, it seems clever, sophisticated, and in the service of the story. It's not cheap, not that that matters. If you care more about the set than the acting, music, movement, and net effect, I feel sorry for you but we have places you can find that. Keep walking.

And while I am at it, I would say the same thing to those here who have had the opportunity to see the first preview and were more interested in the merch and the bars that the show they bought tickets to see. If it's chaotic at the first preview, I have an idea: lets give you the address of a place you can buy all the merch you want and a bar down the street where you can get drunk so you don't have to pay attention to the show.

It's one thing to forgive those who are too ignorant to know they shouldn't sing along at the theatre. I expected more from some who post here.

I'm personally glad that the set we did get is actually a good looking one. Plus, it's Sweeney Todd for heaven's sake! All that show needs is really talented actors and Jonathan Tunick's original 26-member orchestra to carry it. I'm just happy that this revival has this strong of a start; in spite of some issues that will probably be fixed/improved as the weeks go on.

I just wish people would go into shows with an open mind, instead of making ignorant statements like “This looks like a MUNY set” or “It’s giving Les Miz tour.” Like… it’s a set by MacArthur Genius Grant winner Mimi Lien, who’s known for grand simplicity. I’m sure it serves the piece perfectly.

Also, as other’s have noted, the original set by Eugene Lee’s reputation is probably more extravagant than the set itself. Big factory structure, painted backdrops, and one rotating pie shop/barber shop (with an additional appearance from Pirelli’s wagon). Simple, and almost entirely cast-operated.

Updated On: 2/28/23 at 07:34 AM

I don't know where people are getting its a "terrible set". I dont think anyone who has seen the show has said that. I think a lot of us were just surprised the set wasn't more grandiose, not a bad thing just some set expectations too high. The set has some great moments but the show as a whole is the real reason to be going.

HogansHero said: "It is saddening that there are people on here who equate theatre with how fancy the sets are. If you want glitz and glamor and bells and whistles (not counting the factory whistle ) you are at the wrong show. Last I heard the purpose of a set is to serve the story. Having not seen anything but the pics of a bit of the set on here, it seems clever, sophisticated, and in the service of the story. It's not cheap, not that that matters. If you care more about the set than the acting, music, movement, and net effect, I feel sorry for you but we have places you can find that. Keep walking.

And while I am at it, I would say the same thing to those here who have had the opportunity to see the first preview and were more interested in the merch and the bars that the show they bought tickets to see. If it's chaotic at the first preview, I have an idea: lets give you the address of a place you can buy all the merch you want and a bar down the street where you can get drunk so you don't have to pay attention to the show.

It's one thing to forgive those who are too ignorant to know they shouldn't sing along at the theatre. I expected more from some who post here."

I don't know who you think you are with this ridiculous and condescending crap. For the prices they are charging for this thing, it is a reasonable expectation that there might be a semblance of a set. A set is an integral part of most shows. They happen to give a Tony Award away each year for one of them.

As for the merch, if they didn't want people to buy the merch, they would not sell the merch.

And who exactly is talking about getting drunk at the bar??? That would be a pretty cool trick to be able to get drunk at a Broadway bar unless your name is Rockefeller.

Good lord.

Matt Rogers said: “For the prices they are charging for this thing, it is a reasonable expectation that there might be a semblance of a set.”

But nobody has said there isn’t a set. Certain scenes are sparse, but there’s absolutely a full set design, and some creative moments.

SoCalDirector said: "Obviously not. What a ludicrous take on theatre."

What a ludicrous take on opinions.

The poster was just expressing a personal preference about what's important in a production, and in a very even-handed way. I'm pretty sure it's a minority opinion, and I certainly disagree with it, but it's a completely legitimate one.

bwayphreak234 said: "I think it's fair to say that each member of this board has certain aspects of going to the theatre that are more important to them than some other aspects. It's personal opinions and preferences.

For instance, while some may love a big and lush set and not care about the number of musicians in the pit, others may care more about having a bit and lush orchestra than the scenery. I don't think one opinion or preference is necessarily more valid than the other.

Just my take."

Bingo!

Luminaire2 said: "I think the bigger issue are posters on here declaring the scenic design is a failure, when they haven’t even see the show.


I haven’t heard enough from actual audience members to figure out how effective the design is.


Sets can be simple, and remain incredibly effective. Sets can also be too grand and become a distraction, etc, etc."

THIS. The set design works perfectly fine. Once again, people just had expectations of an insane set design akin to something Timbers would direct. This isnt a simple set like the most recent Into the Woods (which wasnt getting as much backlash fir their set as Sweeney for some reason). One particular part of the set is fantastic, but ill put that in spoilers.

So... any understudies listed?

HogansHero said: "It is saddening that there are people on here who equate theatre with how fancy the sets are. If you want glitz and glamor and bells and whistles (not counting the factory whistle ) you are at the wrong show. Last I heard the purpose of a set is to serve the story. Having not seen anything but the pics of a bit of the set on here, it seems clever, sophisticated, and in the service of the story. It's not cheap, not that that matters. If you care more about the set than the acting, music, movement, and net effect, I feel sorry for you but we have places you can find that. Keep walking.

And while I am at it, I would say the same thing to those here who have had the opportunity to see the first preview and were more interested in the merch and the bars that the show they bought tickets to see. If it's chaotic at the first preview, I have an idea: lets give you the address of a place you can buy all the merch you want and a bar down the street where you can get drunk so you don't have to pay attention to the show.

It's one thing to forgive those who are too ignorant to know they shouldn't sing along at the theatre. I expected more from some who post here."

What a complete and utter asinine and condescending thing to say. Everything you've ever said has been obliterated by this singularly stupid post.