"Piazza" or "Sweeney Todd"

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 9:19am

I'll be making my first trip to NYC in January and am trying to finalize the shows I will be seeing. I already have tickets for Elaine Stritch at the Carlyle, but have three other slots to fill. I feel certain that two of those slots will be DRS and "The Trip to Bountiful" dependending on ticket availability. This leaves "Piazza" and "Sweeney" competing for the final slot. So, which one should I pick?
Updated On: 12/10/05 at 09:19 AM

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 9:21am

Wow...tough choice, but I'd go with Sweeney Todd. This is a simply brilliant production that shouldn't be missed.

And if you order now, you'll have no problem getting tickets to A Trip To Bountiful. At $15 a pop, it's also the best buy in town.

[pab]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 9:22am

Both shows are brilliant but I would have to say "Sweeney Todd".

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 9:29am

While I can't deny that Sweeney is a brilliant production, if you aren't familiar with the show to begin with, go see Piazza. That may sound dumb of me, but I feel like I cheated myself going to see this proudction of Sweeney with no familiarity with the material. I was confused and missed way too much -- I would've been far better able to enjoy and follow the show if I had known the lyrics and things before hand. Of course if you see it, you'll still *like* it; it's hard not to like it, but I feel like you'll appreciate Sweeney far more if you know the show already. This isn't a great first way to see it.

Updated On: 12/10/05 at 09:29 AM

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 9:56am

Wow! This is like asking someone to pick their favorite child. I'd go with Sweeney Todd because its freaking brillant and I adore Stephen Sondheim..

[sally1112]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 10:11am

First of all, my answer will not help you, but...

I am going to NYC for Christmas and I wanted to see several shows. I got great seats to Sweeney Todd, 2nd row center. But then I felt I wanted to see a more "traditional production" also, so I played around on-line and ended up getting great seats to "Piazza." I am a little bumbed that some original cast has left but I am looking forward to both shows. (Especailly after reading these post, because this will be my first time seeing Sweeney, so I am glad I am balalncing it with another show)

Just to round out the trip we are seeing DRS too. (I love you Norbert)
Updated On: 12/10/05 at 10:11 AM

[pab]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 10:15am

sally1112, you are in for a treat. As I said earlier I think that Sweeney and Piazza are both brilliant. I had a great time at DRS and Norbert deserved his Tony for that performance.

[sally1112]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 10:21am

Thanks!

I am a little worried about Sweeney. Not for me, because I live for Patti LuPone and would be satisfied if she came out, drank a cup of coffee, and walked off stage!
But I am taking two friends who like broadway, but aren't as nuts as I am. I have thought about having a Pre-show party and watching one of the DVDs of the show to warm them up. Should I/ Or does this spoil it? They do not know the story.

[Piazzaslight]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 10:24am

Sally: Show them the video. They should watch so they can follow the revival better. So yes, show them the video. It does spoil the big twist, though... But that really doesn't matter if they know the twist or not. As long they know the story and will be able to follow it.

[mominator]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 10:24am

Another vote for Sweeney.

[Buscee]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 10:26am

Hands Down...GO SEE SWEENEY TODD!!! It is absolutely Amazing. Just in the fact that each actor plays the part brilliantly, but has memorized the entire score is just shear brilliance.

Piazza was good, but no where in the league of SWEENEY TODD

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 10:40am

Piazza.

[pab]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 10:45am

sally1112, I would not want to see the video or have my friends see it JUST before going to see the show. I would suggest a few days in advance or as soon as possible if you are going to be seeing it in two weeks.

Updated On: 12/10/05 at 10:45 AM

[broadway betty]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 12:54pm

Sidney-Seriously, both are not to be missed. You will talk about both for years to come. Piazza is just the most beautiful, glorious thing I've ever seen and Sweeney is bloody fantastic!

I went in to Sweeney only knowing "the ballad of Sweeney Todd" so it was completely new for me but I just knew that I had to pay attention and I just had to let the music grow on me a little and now I'm completely in love with it and I sing the score all day long.

I can't choose one over the other. Try to see both, you won't be sorry.

[broadway betty]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 12:55pm

double oopsy

Updated On: 12/10/05 at 12:55 PM

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 1:39pm

go to see Piazza

[Aigoo]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 1:42pm

Egh. This is hard. Flip a coin?

[OasisBroadway]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 1:47pm

Sweeney all the way. I went to see it knowing none of the songs or lyrics and after listening to them since then I don't think I missed much. I was completely amazed during the show. This is really a wonderful production. Not that Piazza is bad but Sweeney is just so much better.

[hak]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 1:53pm

I saw SWEENEY TODD over turkey day weekend and had NO PROBLEM following it. I had no prior knowledge of the songs or story [aside from the basics].

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 2:05pm

Thanks so much for your input. My friend (who's been to NYC many times and has seen "Piazza" and DRS) thinks we should see both "Piazza" and "Sweeney." Since I was primarily going to see DRS for the score and not the performers, I guess I'll catch that one on tour. And I'm guessing that it is doubtful that "Piazza" and "Sweeney" will tour. It's clear (from all of your comments) that "Piazza" and "Sweeney" are excellent shows. Thanks for helping me with a difficult decision.

[Kevo711]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 2:15pm

Well since I don't want to post a new thread, I'll just ask here... I'm a 15 year old male and am going to a show on January 5 with my mom,17 year old sister, a friend (girl, 15 years old) and her mom...
I have seen (that are currently on Broadway)
The Lion King
Hairsray
Wicked
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
The Light in The Piazza
RENT
Spelling Bee
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
The Color Purple
I enjoyed them all- favorites were Wicked, Piazza, and The Color Purple...

What would you reccomend? Everyone going with me is only interested in musicals so no straight plays (although I would love to see some)
I dont care if they are in previews, or long running... Thanks in advance!

[WithoutATrace]

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

as much as I *loved* Sweeney Todd, I would have to say Piazza.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 12/10/05 at 6:28pm

Sweeney Todd of course! I went to see it without prior knowledge, other than a basic outline of the plot, and it was still one of the best shows I have seen, with two amazing leads.