Munk's SWEENEY TODD remarks

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:18pm

I attended the dress rehearsal this afternoon, and I could not be more glad that I did.

To be honest, it took me around 15 minutes to really take in what I was seeing - the minimal set, the instruments on stage, and just the entire concept was very bizzare to me at first. After those first few awkward thoughts, the show really took over my mind and I was on the edge of my seat nearly the entire show.

The fact that all of the performers are on stage the entire time really adds a whole other dimension to the show - I can't really explain it well, and I certainly don't want to give anything away - but it's breathtaking.

In general, I'm not going to tell you how they do things and how they end the show - but I promise you that it will leave you breathless. I have never seen a show before that has left me breathless (and speechless) afterwards.

The ending (and very beginning, for that matter) is probably the most chilling and horrifying thing I have ever seen on stage - including the original SWEENEY, and other productions I have seen of it. Here, Doyle added an entirely different, brilliant twist to the story. If you wish to know what it is, PM me and I'll be happy to discuss it.

Michael Cerveris is absolutely brilliant, and I'm predicting now that he'll win the Tony for his performance. LuPone is brilliant as well - I was surprised at how well she blended into the show. She let the score, the story, and the words speak for themselves and was never once preoccupied with the fact that she was a theatre legend telling this story. The supporting cast is just sensational as well - there isn't one weak link in the cast, and there isn't one weak link in the entire production.

Despite the minimalist approach to the show (and to the score,) nothing suffers here. In fact, the show breathes and just completely unfolds in ways that I never thought possible. After such a brilliant and unforgettable original production, it seemed like an impossible task to effectively revive SWEENEY - but they've done it - MY GOD they have done it. Brilliant staging - just absolutely brilliant. Every moment is glorious - not even the scenes - the cast members milling about the stage in the dark during a scene, the "scene changes" - everythign about the staging, design, and conception of this production is hardcore brilliant.

I give it my HIGHEST recommendation to all of you. I wouldn't be surprised if this show won Best revival, direction, lighting, actor, actress, orchestrations, or even set design - it's so brilliant that I can't imagine anythign else surpassing it this season.

[cathywellerstein]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:23pm

great review! i want to see this. will they have discounts or a rush? ...i have no money. sorry if that question has already been answered.

[ZONEACE]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:24pm

I'm so pleased to hear such good things. I may try to grab a mezz. seat for wednesday mat.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:25pm

I have no idea, sorry.

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:25pm

Wow, that has me VERY excited to see it 2nd row center in November.

Thanks for the review and glad you enjoyed it!
Updated On: 10/3/05 at 07:25 PM

[ZONEACE]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:25pm

cathy, side rear mezz seats are 36 or so. its at the very back but the theatre is not big. the mezz raonly goes to like row k and overhangs L in the orchest

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:26pm

I believe they are going to have an SRO and I know Playbill.com has discounts right now.

[Tiny-Toon]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:26pm

wow thanks! Won tickets to see it and can't wait!
BTW- The tony for set design is already taken by IN MY LIFE's big lemon.

[RockabyeHamlet]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:35pm

Wow.. I can't wait to see this for myself. In the meantime I shall have to live vicariously through you. Great review!

[maybethistime]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:47pm

I have been SO excited with this revival since the moment I heard about it. I was worried that it might just be awful and close before i could see it. However, this review makes me even more excited than before!!! Thank you, Munk, dearie!!!!
Now, the sad part is that I'm not getting to New York until April. I am a huge HUGE fan of both Patti LuPone and the brilliant Sondheim and this is one of my favorite shows, which I have never yet had the oppurtunity to see live. I only want to see the show if Patti is still in it, unless her replacement is AMAZING as well. My first thought was of course she'll still be in it... she has to stay at least until the Tonys... but upon looking at her website it says she's scheduled to appear in a few concerts in January and February and this dashed all my hopes. Can anyone console me who know about her contract, whos talked to her or just some general information regarding this? I read in a review she's extremley happy with the show and wants to stay in it as long as possible... I just hope thats long enough!

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:50pm

Aah! I can't wait to see it! Just got my tickets today!

[maybethistime]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 7:54pm

I'm sure no one else cares about this, but I've found a reassuring update to my delima.

Patti's latest scheduled concert is for Feb. 16, 2005. On the ticketmaster website there is a little note stating that Patti will not appear Feb. 15 & 16. This gives me hope! I'm SO excited!! Does anyone know when tickets will go on sale for April?? Now there only through Feb...
Updated On: 10/3/05 at 07:54 PM

[hak]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:02pm

didn't i read somwhere that they are already planning to record? any1 know when and thus the release date of the cd....

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:04pm

Are the orchestrations similar to the original orchestrations?

[maybethistime]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:04pm

I read at the bottom of the full-page NY Times add a few weeks ago that it was being released soon (maybe there was a date... dont remember...) on Nonesuch.

[Luckydave14]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:07pm

This is making me even more excited!

[bwayrocks_ca]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:13pm

maybethistime -

Patti's concert schedule in Jan. and Feb. is for single night performances, so I think she may only miss a couple of performances of Sweeney. I also am also praying/hoping/etc. that she will still be in it in March, as that will be when I am going to NYC.

Munk - Thank you for that great review.... If only I could get to NY in the fall. Living in LA sucks!

[ShineOn]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:14pm

Ooo! How was DL's accordian playing?

[andyf]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:16pm

Probably atrocious.





Talentless b*tch.

Updated On: 10/3/05 at 08:16 PM

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:21pm

Ain't that the truth, bwayrocks_ca?

[bwayrocks_ca]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:22pm

What - living in LA? 4-sure!

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:22pm

Nonesuch is recording it but no release date is announced.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:26pm

damn you Munk! Now, I have to plan a trip to NYC to see this! Grrrr

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 8:29pm

how was patti's tuba playing?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 10/3/05 at 9:12pm

The orchestrations are different enough - there are lesser instruments here. I can't think offhand of what songs sounded blatantly different, but I'll try to remember. Regardless, they're EXCELLENT.

Her accordian playing was perfect - the orchestra/cast were amazing - you'd never know most of them learned their instruments for this production.

Patti only plays the tuba twice. And it's hysterical.