Pirelli in SweeneyTodd

[RockabyeHamlet]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 2:49am

Is Pirelli supposed to be Italian or Irish? Because he refers to himself as Irish but Lovettcalls him an "eye"talian. I just always wondered about this.

[nobodyhome]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 2:59am

He's Irish but he pretends to be Italian, using a broad Italian accent (or, in some productions, an Italian-Cockney accent) most of the time. His real name is Daniel O'Higgins. It's only when he's alone with Sweeney that he reveals his true identity (just as he's the only person, besides Mrs. Lovett, who knows Sweeney's true identity, though you could argue that the Beggar Woman has some kind of awareness of it).

Though Sweeney does tell Mrs. Lovett, after he has murdered Pirelli, that Pirelli recognized him from the old days, he doesn't tell her anything more about Pirelli's true identity. Therefore, Mrs. Lovett continues to think of him as Italian.

[Julian2]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 3:02am

See above.

Updated On: 11/8/06 at 03:02 AM

[RockabyeHamlet]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 3:18am

Thanks! I kinda fiqured thats what happend but I didnt want to assume.

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 7:08am

I'm sorrry, but have you seen the show? He pretends to be Italian, and later reveals himself to be Irish.

[RockabyeHamlet]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 1:46pm

Well well well Laura, a little testy arent we? I dont think that response was neccesary, it was only a clarification question, based on a regional production I saw recently that confused me a bit. And yes I have seen several productions of Sweeney, just for clarification.

[RockabyeHamlet]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 1:47pm

Double Post, I apologize

Updated On: 11/8/06 at 01:47 PM