#1
Posted: 10/5/05 at 12:51am
Byfar, this is the most visually and aurally stunning production I have ever witnessed. It was an honor to be a member of the audience tonight and witness something so absolutely breathtaking. This production, under the direction of John Doyle, has me - over two hours later - still with hairs raised and goosebumps along my arms.
Where does one begin? Perhaps with the genius but absolutely ODDBALL idea to have the cast accompany themselves. This made everything on that stage so much more about Stephen Sondheim's succulent score and lyrics. Not once did I find myself asking "Why are they playing instruments?" as I thought I would be.
(SPOILER...)
Doyle's main idea revolves around the action taking place WITHIN a mental hospital. Which works brilliantly. I'll say it again: "WHICH WORKS BRILLIANTLY." We all know that Sondheim and Prince left us with Toby losing his mind and the idea that, most likely, off he went to the asylum. So why wouldn't he tell his story? And indeed, it is as if he does. Dyle's toying around with this makes for a much more haunting tale: a bunch of crazed, well, lunatics, telling this horrifying story.
(END OF SPOILER.)
The design team for this is brilliant. Since I don't know too much about lighting or scenic design, although I should at this point in my life in the theater, I won't touch too much on it except that it only adds to the chilly atmosphere Doyle has so perfectly created.
The cast...
First off, Miss LuPone is sheer and utter brilliance. Her Lovett is raw, sexy, and utterly DISGUSTINGLY perfect. This is a Lovett for all of us to stare in awe at. (As a side-note although slightly relevant: LuPone's Lovett was so sexy that I, as a gay man, wanted to jump on stage and lick her from head to toe.)
Michael Cerveris, as always, gives a chilling performance. His Sweeney is wretched and haunting. I have never so much feared someone on a stage.
Donna. Where can I begin? Byfar the strongest link in this cast. Her eyes say everything that Doyle aims for in this production. If anything, see this brilliant production for a performer who understands the idea of body language more than anyone else in the world.
I could go on. But I'm exhausted, and I don't even know what else to say.
Run - don't walk - to this!
Where does one begin? Perhaps with the genius but absolutely ODDBALL idea to have the cast accompany themselves. This made everything on that stage so much more about Stephen Sondheim's succulent score and lyrics. Not once did I find myself asking "Why are they playing instruments?" as I thought I would be.
(SPOILER...)
Doyle's main idea revolves around the action taking place WITHIN a mental hospital. Which works brilliantly. I'll say it again: "WHICH WORKS BRILLIANTLY." We all know that Sondheim and Prince left us with Toby losing his mind and the idea that, most likely, off he went to the asylum. So why wouldn't he tell his story? And indeed, it is as if he does. Dyle's toying around with this makes for a much more haunting tale: a bunch of crazed, well, lunatics, telling this horrifying story.
(END OF SPOILER.)
The design team for this is brilliant. Since I don't know too much about lighting or scenic design, although I should at this point in my life in the theater, I won't touch too much on it except that it only adds to the chilly atmosphere Doyle has so perfectly created.
The cast...
First off, Miss LuPone is sheer and utter brilliance. Her Lovett is raw, sexy, and utterly DISGUSTINGLY perfect. This is a Lovett for all of us to stare in awe at. (As a side-note although slightly relevant: LuPone's Lovett was so sexy that I, as a gay man, wanted to jump on stage and lick her from head to toe.)
Michael Cerveris, as always, gives a chilling performance. His Sweeney is wretched and haunting. I have never so much feared someone on a stage.
Donna. Where can I begin? Byfar the strongest link in this cast. Her eyes say everything that Doyle aims for in this production. If anything, see this brilliant production for a performer who understands the idea of body language more than anyone else in the world.
I could go on. But I'm exhausted, and I don't even know what else to say.
Run - don't walk - to this!
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
Updated On: 10/5/05 at 12:51 AM
