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#26

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:19pm

I've been a fan of the musical for about a year now. And honestly I really like it. That's one of the things my boyfriend and I are seeing where we live this year. He's only heard a little bit of the music and heard some of the funny stories about when it was originally on broadway. So I say if you like gory stuff and blood spatter on stage than you'll like this.
"The weight of this sad time we must obey, Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say. The oldest hath borne most; we that are young Shall never see so much, nor live so long"-Edgar in King Lear
#27

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:34pm

I also agree with Calvin. Whatever you get - the CD, the Lansbury DVD, or the LuPone DVD - watch/listen to it a few times, even if you don't really like it the first time (which probably won't happen). The greatest thing about Sweeney, and most of Sondheim's work for that matter, is that it has so many levels to it, you'd have to see/watch/listen to it around 10 times to get even half of everything in it. I've had the Lansbury DVD for about a year and a half now, I've watched it 30-40 times, and every single time I do, I get something new from it. And that's just with the same direction, performances, etc. everytime.
"Who is Stephen Sondheim?" -roninjoey
"The man who wishes he had written Phantom of the Opera!" - SueleenGay

GO CARDINALS!!!
#28

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:37pm

Please. Why ask advice. Just go see the same sugar coated musicals over and over that all the tourists will no doubt flock to. No need to see anything unique.

However, personally, I am so freaking excited about this. And I second Millie 42's statement. "Michael. Cerveris." Yup, couldn't agree more. Oh yeah, did I mention he's gonna be brilliant?
"What a mystery this world. One day you love them and the next day you want to kill them a thousand times over." The Masked Bandit in THE FALL
#29

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:39pm

So I say if you like gory stuff and blood spatter on stage than you'll like this.

I think I'm going to have nightmares. I'm not missing this, though.
A work of art is an invitation to love.

Updated On: 7/29/05 at 03:39 PM

#30

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:39pm

All I have to say is be prepared to piss yourself every damn time that loud @ss whistle blows! Be prepared!
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
#32

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:42pm

I want to see it live SO BAD...
I hope Judge Turpin's "Johanna" is in too. It's one of my favorite parts of the concert DVD.
http://community.livejournal.com/ltd_brands_suck/
#33

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:43pm

Actually, that might be for the best. At least then, no one will notice that I pissed myself do to the excitement, when I walk into the theatre
"What a mystery this world. One day you love them and the next day you want to kill them a thousand times over." The Masked Bandit in THE FALL
#35

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:44pm

I always thought it was a factory work whistle. Correct me if I am wrong please.
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
#36

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:45pm

I'm sure someone can explain this better than me, but every time Sweeney murders someone, there is a really loud whistle noise.
"What a mystery this world. One day you love them and the next day you want to kill them a thousand times over." The Masked Bandit in THE FALL
#38

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:46pm

I would be really excited about this if Lupone was not doing it. Was really looking forward to this version of the show. But I just can't sit through 2 plus hours of her. Loved her in Evita. But that's about all she can do for me. Tried to like her in Candide but no go!
Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder
#39

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:47pm

Does it really need an explanation? It just punches up the terror of the moment and makes you jump out of your seat. I always thought it was representative of a scream.
http://community.livejournal.com/ltd_brands_suck/
#40

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 3:51pm

Ahhh! The whistle.... I learned to be prepared for that the hard way when I was listening to the OBCR and had the volume on my walkman up a little to high. I probably jumped about 3 feet in the air. :) Hmmm... I was also under the impression that it was a factory whistle.

So my honest opinion: If you look underneath all of the blood and gore there is a really heart- wrenching story. See how you feel when it opens and then go with your gut. IMO it's not as much horrendously gorey as it is something that will make you cringe.
"I am unfinished- I am diminished With or without you..."
#41

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 4:01pm

It's beautiful. I've always seen more of a tortured romance in it, rather than the chilling horror tale that most seem to remember. The horror seemed to be more of a sideplot. Sweeney is a good man who was wronged.
#43

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 4:39pm

It is a factory whistle which is symbolic of the dehumanizing effect that the industrial revolution had on everyday people, turning them into machines and robbing them of their souls and consciences. Hal Prince has talked extensively about this and how it was one of the main underlying themes of his original production.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie [http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/] "The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney

Updated On: 7/29/05 at 04:39 PM

#44

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 4:40pm

Thanks Margo. That's what I was thinking. I feel much better now that you have confirmed it.
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
#45

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 5:04pm

I was just comparing the Johanna/Anthony numbers between the concert recording and the OBC. Unfortunately, I prefer Victor Garber's Anthony and Heidi Grant Murphy's Johanna, so I can't decide between the two. Sarah Rice has a lovely voice but I don't like her phrasing. She. seems. to. sing. everything. like. this. with no attention to the longer line.

Please don't attack me for this, but I don't think Patti LuPone will be that bad as Mrs. Lovett. Actually, I think she could be pretty good (though I have doubts about her accent abilities). Not that we know yet.
"WHEN is the winter of our discontent?" "NOW is the winter of our discontent!" Visit My Blog
#46

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 5:14pm

Sweeney is a musical that actors can REALLY sink their teeth into.. no pun... If you experience Sweeney for the first time, try to put yourself in the actor's place and see them stretch themselves beyond any of the musicals you've mentioned earlier.
I have watched all the versions available and like the Hearns Lansbury version the best, because I believe the voices should grate on the audience sometimes, rather than the pure, operatic approach of Lupone. The more you see it, the more you'll like it, so by all means, see this a few times before you go to the Broadway version. It is beyond belief.
Wisdom often comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone
#47

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 5:15pm

I am starting to apperciate Sondheim for his musical genius. I recently had to perform two of his song in one night and have now watched three DVD's of his shows and have bought one cast recording (Anyone Can Whistle, I did the song as my solo). I personally love Sweeny Todd for it's depth. If you claim to be a theatre fan you must see this show. I think I am in the minority but I am looking forward to seeing Patti LuPone at Mrs. Lovett. I loved her in the concert performance and I could actually understand every word she said. If you love theatre, go to this.
"He who falls in love with himself will have no rivals" -Benjamin Franklin
#48

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 5:17pm

"Please don't attack me for this, but I don't think Patti LuPone will be that bad as Mrs. Lovett. Actually, I think she could be pretty good (though I have doubts about her accent abilities). Not that we know yet."

I liked her on the concert DVD. Her voice can get on my nerves sometimes, but she makes a good Mrs. Lovett.
http://community.livejournal.com/ltd_brands_suck/
#49

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 5:18pm

I agree that Patti will make this her own and be more than fine. Plus, she will draw a following...not that Sweeney itself is not big enough draw. It is! It should have a nice healthy year long run, maybe more if it's exceptionally wonderful.

I'd like to mention that I'm happy for Mark Jacoby, who is a really fine singer/actor and should do the role of the Judge great justice. He just returned from Pitt. CLO , I believe, where he played the Pirate King opposite Max Von Essen as Frederick (correct me if I'm wrong). I just remember lots of postive reviews.

The demon barber of Fleet Street is on my list this season, too.
www.pbentertainmentinc.com BWW regional writer "Philadelphia/South Jersey"
#50

re: Honest opinion about Sweeney Todd

Posted: 7/29/05 at 5:18pm

Either of those two Johanna's is alright by me, as is Lisa Vroman on the concert DVD. I cannot stand Betsy Joslyn on the DVD of the staged production.

---
I personally don't consider LuPone's approach to be all that operatic. She's very much a belter.

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