JOHN DOYLE AND STEPHEN SONDHEIM!

[coolphantom919]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 12:21pm

What's your opinion about the shows they have done?

How many shows have they've done?


Thanks!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 12:30pm

THEY have done? TOGETHER? Doyle had nothing to do with the creation of any of these masterpieces. He simply came along and interpreted them decades after they were created.

Sondheim has written many brilliant works of theatre -- so brilliant that they can survive the whims and frivolous, half baked and underdeveloped notions and gimmicks of any director ..... including Doyle's.

[bjivie2]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 1:24pm

Well I think we know where Margo stands...

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 1:55pm

(cough cough) Doyle sucks (cough cough)

[folkyboy]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 1:58pm

and as much attention as this man has caused on these boards, i would care to never have to hear another word about the man again.

"how many times can the term 'actor-singer-musician-dancer' be analyzed and dissected" should be the proper title for all these threads.

[Marguerite Chauvelin]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 1:58pm

I'm not sure how involved Sondheim is in Doyle's revivals of his shows. I only know of two (Sweeney and Company) where Sondheim may have had direct involvement.

[folkyboy]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 1:59pm

Sondheim re-wrote some of the Sweeney songs for Doyle revival. he's very hands-on.

[bjivie2]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 2:01pm

Wow, no reason to bash the man.

coolphantom was just noticing that Doyle has done a few Sondheim shows including Into the Woods, Assassins, Sweeney Todd and Company.

[jv92]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 4:02pm

I really think John Doyle is a fine director, but this thread is laughable.

[gustof777]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 4:04pm

I agree jv...while I'm not the biggest fan of always using the actor/orchestra concept for every show. I think he's a great director and can't wait to see what else he has up his sleeve

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 6:01pm

I think the "gimmick" does not serve the piece as much as it serves the atmosphere of the work as a whole.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 6:04pm

Doyle brought profit and appeal to a show most would never consider putting money into for a major revival. He reimagined the show, and is bringing new life to Sondheim's work. He should be respected for that.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 6:05pm

Yeah, that Doyle; he's so gimmicky. We don't need smart people to re-imagine things.

[jv92]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 6:27pm

I hope you aren't responding to my post, because I think he's great. I just think the ignorance of the original poster is a laughable.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 6:30pm

Oh, no! That was completely sarcastic, in response to the bashing in general. I think Doyle's a genius and I'm in love with his productions of both Sweeney and Company. (The first post is pretty silly, though.)

Updated On: 8/1/06 at 06:30 PM

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 6:38pm

Which songs did he re-write?

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 7:03pm

He mentioned he never cared for:

"Johanna"
"A Little Priest"
"Epiphany"
"Wait"
"Not While I'm Around"
and "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd"

so they were all completely rewritten and reimagined by Doyle and Sondheim to fit the electric guitar orchestrations done by Sara Travis to accomodate the skills of Michael Cerveris and Manoel Felciano, who both also play the timpany in the piece.

[Marguerite Chauvelin]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 7:05pm

Wow, a lot of the ones he didn't care for are some pretty good songs.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 7:05pm

Forgive me, but you're being facecious, right? There's no electric guitar in Sweeney, and... I don't think there's a timpany in it, either.

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 7:06pm

Surprisingly so Chauvey. I was very surprised when I heard that they were doing that. And no, Emcee, I am not kidding. Maybe you have yet to see the show without the understudies who may otherwise not play that instrument.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 7:16pm

Umm I really don't think there is an electric gutair in Sweeney.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 7:17pm

I've seen the full original cast more than once; so you're telling me understudies play these instruments off-stage? I don't think I get what you're saying; Cerveris plays an acoustic.

Updated On: 8/1/06 at 07:17 PM

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 7:23pm

He most certainly does not play acoustic. I think you have to reexamine the show. He is clearly playing electric and at times even plays the canastas.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 7:24pm

You have the weirdest sense of humor, do you know that?

[TomMonster]

Posted: 8/1/06 at 7:28pm

OK: He did NOT re-write ANYTHING!!!! Some lyric changes and edits with the music to fit the production were altered by Steve. Doyle's show was already done in the UK before Sondheim had any involvement. He LOVES it, and did spend time with the director, etc. just for his input and help. Once you've written a show, you don't OWN it. You still get paid; others can't change your material, but they can re-work it without your approval.

As for Company: He did go to Ohio to see it but had nothing to do with the production. When it comes to NYC, he will give his input, but it does not mean that Doyle must adhere to it. (of course, just like Sweeney, Doyle did listen to the input...)

Margo, you are right! Doyle and Sondheim have NOT created anything together. But maybe, they might in the future... (Prince, Lapine...Doyle??)

And 'Sumofallthings' where the heck did you get YOUR info?