MEF reviews "Sweeney Todd" — Page 2

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#26

re: MEF reviews 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 10/8/05 at 11:18pm

andy, there is a HUGE difference between a plot hole and leaving something out that isn't really important to the rest of the show. How he got back isn't what's important. thusly we don't need to know it.

when ducks grow thumbs then maybe my opinion will change.

#27

re: MEF reviews 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 10/8/05 at 11:25pm

From a dramaturgs point of view, its actually better not knowing exactly how Barker escaped. We get all kinds of hints -- he was sent to Australia for life. Anthony finds him half dead (presumably in the water, since his ship rescues him). So clearly Barker has gone to extraordinary, perhaps violent, lengths just to return to London. Without those high stakes, it would be less "believable" that he would become a merciless killer simply upon discovering that Lucy has been poisoned.

Sondheim and Wheeler do a find job of making Sweeney Todd a realistic character, despite the over the top proceedings of his revenge. Knowing that Barker had say killed 4 guards and jumped two ships to get to the UK, would push the story over the top.

Updated On: 10/8/05 at 11:25 PM

#28

re: MEF reviews 'Sweeney Todd'

Posted: 10/9/05 at 4:04am

Being sent for life on a transportation charge did not mean that you necessarily stayed in Australia for life - there was definitely a possibility that a prisoner could come back after fifteen years or so(on licence)and prisoners did come back - especially those who had not gone with their family.

At no time does Barker/Todd say that he has escaped, it's an assumption.Anthony's not questioning about how he came to be in the shipwreck, could go go back to asking about the original charge, rather than an escape. Of course, it could also have a lot to do wit Todd's taciturnity.

Updated On: 10/9/05 at 04:04 AM

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