New Trend ?

I think it works where it works. I have not seen Doyle's company, so I cannot comment. I believe there are moments in Sweeney when this concept is brillinat and moments when it's distracting. As someone who plays instruments, it is wonderful and fabulous to hear a live orchestra in the traditional way. Honestly, I think it's difficult to make a general statement here, because there have not been (for my purposes) enough productions using actors as musicians to really judge.

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Posted this in one of the threads on Company, will say it again:

I think it's a little bit premature to assume this is some sort of orchestra-killing trend on Broadway. And I also don't think this type of direction is comparable to a show like Urinetown or Spelling Bee whose orchestrations don't require full-orchestras by virtue of the musical style -- nor are either comparable to the "disappearance" of the Broadway orchestra that would come about by, say, using canned music.

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What, exactly, do you find "disturbing and dull" about Sweeney Todd? Just because a show's production costs are not through the roof does not make it either of those things. The show is brilliant, though not one that has an easy time pleasing the crowds. I applaud the producers of this show for taking what is somewhat of a risk, making their money back, and keeping their show on Broadway. And, for the record, Sweeney's prices are lower than those of many other shows. If you want a "big" show for you 100 dollars (and if that is how you judge quality), go see Wicked.

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A new trend?

Maybe just a particular director...

Well said, Emcee.

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Updated On: 3/22/06 at 10:56 PM

I envy you for being able to see Company. I tried. I was like, so, Mom, Company is playing in Cincy. And she was like "Yeah, no"

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Like keatonbythenumbers said, it's just this director. He's been doing it for years, it's just now being brought to the US. It's not something that will work for every show, nor should it be tried with every show. I can't imagine Defying Gravity having as much of an impact if Elphaba lugged a cello up on the cherry picker with her. It's something new, yes, but that doesn't mean that it's the going to be tried with every single show from now on. If you were around when Oklahoma came out, you'd be complaining about this new fangled plot trend.

Sweeney and Company are both amazing productions, I just can't believe you think these are worse for the future of Broadway than things like jukebox musicals and Britney Spears being seriously considering for a leading role.

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Updated On: 3/22/06 at 11:05 PM

Sweeney Todd was disturbing and dull. If you've ever seen the full-out version you would realize not only was the singing less than it should have been for one main character, but music was simply left out in spots! That's just criminal on such a masterpiece of musical theatre. Actors are forced to cover more bases and it is cheapening show quality. If you've never seen Sweeney, this production was hard to follow.