Skip to main content
Shop Merch Add a Show Listing
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Origin of the Sweeney Todd caricature?

Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register.

#1

Origin of the Sweeney Todd caricature?

Was the "small, flamboyantly dressed angry man" who represents Sweeney Todd on the original album cover created for the show, or does he predate the play? I know his accompanying Lovett caricature is original, due to its resemblance to Angela Lansbury, but I've seen the Sweeney caricature show up in a number of other places, always without the razor, as a piece of kitsch Victoriana. (Notably, he's on a Collective Soul album cover.)

I just saw an interesting woodcutting from a Ren Faire featuring the caricature, and while I missed the opportunity to buy it, I was left wondering: does that image predate the Broadway show, or has it seeped into public consciousness since then?

#3

Origin of the Sweeney Todd caricature?

He indeed based it on an antique woodcut and created the Mrs. Lovett drawing to accompany it.


"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#4

Origin of the Sweeney Todd caricature?

I wonder... the thing that makes me suspect it might be an existing icon is that Lovett resembles the show's design, but Sweeney does not resemble Len Cariou or the frumpy dockworker design created for the Broadway version of Sweeney's look.

#7

Origin of the Sweeney Todd caricature?


The original image is reproduced in the cover of “Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid” by Collective Soul.
#8

Origin of the Sweeney Todd caricature?

http://ew.com/books/broadway-posters-stories-book

This interview with Verlizzo mentions what kad said and also talks about other posters he has designed.
#9

Origin of the Sweeney Todd caricature?

I've seen the drawing (meaning the man, but without the Sweeney Todd embellishments) in other media, but I don't think I've ever seen the actual original woodcut.


"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#10

Origin of the Sweeney Todd caricature?

So now we know it's an old piece- I wonder if its specific origin is even traceable? It has the look of nineteenth-century Punch caricatures or Bab Ballad cartoons.

BroadwayWorld TV


Ticket Central
Hot Show
Tickets From $59
Hot Show
Tickets From $70
Hot Show
Tickets From $106
Hot Show
Tickets From $159