#1
Posted: 10/7/05 at 6:25am
I saw the new Broadway production of Sweeney Todd last night, and all I can say is, "WOW!" This was one of the most thrilling experiences I have ever had at the theatre. I loved the concept, the orchestrations, the sets, and above all, the BRILLIANT performances.
As the title character, Michael Cerveris (an always-reliable performer) is a revelation, and a surprisingly intense Sweeney. His anguish and pain were so real and evident, and there were moments when I nearly cried watching his performance. I would say that right now he's a shoo-in for next year's Tony.
Now, it's no secret that I'm a whore for Patti LuPone, and have always enjoyed her Lovett (even in the not-so-well-received concert staging). Well, in the 5 years since she last played the part, she has really grown by leaps and bounds, and was incredibly moving, empathetic and diabolical. This is not a typical Patti LuPone performance. Anybody who goes in and expects her to be riffing and belting out to the heavens will be sorely dissapointed. But if you go in expecting nothing (as many did), you'll end up being blown away.
Ben Magnuson and Lauren Molina were excellent as Anthony and Johanna, respectively, and I loved the symbolism of Johanna playing the cello. Donna Lynne Champlin was over-the-top and fabulous as Pirelli, and really added some great comedy to the show. Alexander Gemignani was all right as the Beadle; I was expecting more from him but he has time to improve, since I'm planning on seeing this show again MANY times. And Manoel Felciano is easily the best Toby I have ever seen or heard.
The two performers that I really didn't care for were Diana DiMarzio as the Beggar Woman and Mark Jacoby as Judge Turpin. I didn't feel that either of them were intense enough for their respective parts, and Ms. DiMarzio didn't look or sound interested with the show at all.
Mr. Cerveris' entrance (I won't give anything away) is absolutely brilliant and worth the price of admission alone.
Go see this revival. It's truly superb and one of the best things to hit Broadway in years. After the string of dissapointments that opened this season, I'm glad to finally report a bonafide winner!
As the title character, Michael Cerveris (an always-reliable performer) is a revelation, and a surprisingly intense Sweeney. His anguish and pain were so real and evident, and there were moments when I nearly cried watching his performance. I would say that right now he's a shoo-in for next year's Tony.
Now, it's no secret that I'm a whore for Patti LuPone, and have always enjoyed her Lovett (even in the not-so-well-received concert staging). Well, in the 5 years since she last played the part, she has really grown by leaps and bounds, and was incredibly moving, empathetic and diabolical. This is not a typical Patti LuPone performance. Anybody who goes in and expects her to be riffing and belting out to the heavens will be sorely dissapointed. But if you go in expecting nothing (as many did), you'll end up being blown away.
Ben Magnuson and Lauren Molina were excellent as Anthony and Johanna, respectively, and I loved the symbolism of Johanna playing the cello. Donna Lynne Champlin was over-the-top and fabulous as Pirelli, and really added some great comedy to the show. Alexander Gemignani was all right as the Beadle; I was expecting more from him but he has time to improve, since I'm planning on seeing this show again MANY times. And Manoel Felciano is easily the best Toby I have ever seen or heard.
The two performers that I really didn't care for were Diana DiMarzio as the Beggar Woman and Mark Jacoby as Judge Turpin. I didn't feel that either of them were intense enough for their respective parts, and Ms. DiMarzio didn't look or sound interested with the show at all.
Mr. Cerveris' entrance (I won't give anything away) is absolutely brilliant and worth the price of admission alone.
Go see this revival. It's truly superb and one of the best things to hit Broadway in years. After the string of dissapointments that opened this season, I'm glad to finally report a bonafide winner!
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