London Sweeney Revival COncept

[HamletWasBipolar]

London Sweeney Revival COncept#0

Posted: 9/13/05 at 11:57pm

I was just wondering if anybody saw the London revival of the newly concepted Sweeney? If so, what did you think of it? How were the ensemble numbers such as Pirelli's Magical Elixir and More Hot Pies achieved with the cast playing and singing at the same time?? ALso, what instruments were assigned to each character? Thanks so much, just still deciding if a tix purchase is in order.

" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm

[Jayar]

re: London Sweeney Revival Concept#1

Posted: 9/14/05 at 9:28am

I saw this production twice, once at the Trafalgar Studios and then when it transferred to the Ambassador Theater.

I would say that this was possible the best production of Sweeny Todd I’ve ever seen. I was very skeptical when I first heard about the actor/musician concept but it worked brilliantly. The staging was very interesting with two different sized coffins being used most of the time instead of actual pieces of scenery.

I remember that Mrs Lovett played the trumpet, Joanna the Cello, Perelli/Fogg – keyboard, Sweeny – percussion. I can’t remember the others I'm afraid.

It seems that the smaller and tighter staging produces a far more intense and emotional show. Mrs Lovett’s longing for Sweeny and heartbreaking admission of love for him before being dispatched was so intense.

Stephen Sondheim was in the audience the second time I saw the show and he appeared to really enjoy it. I had a word with him after the show and I mentioned that I believed that thought this was the smallest and most intimate staging of the show it was easily the best I’d ever seen. Up until that time I’d always considered the National Theatre production starring Julia McKenzie to be the best, again a smaller production.

I enjoyed this production so much I’ve booked a ticket for the Broadway transfer and will be seeing the show on Dec 2nd. I’m really excited at the prospect of seeing Patti Lupone performing again. The last time I saw her on stage was in Sunset Boulevard, though I’ll always cherish the memory of seeing her in the original RSC Les Miserables at the Barbican, I don’t think Les Mis was ever as good as it was during that time.

Updated On: 9/14/05 at 09:28 AM