Stephen Schwartz isn't crazy about current "Sweeney Todd"- Page 2

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:37pm

But if Stephen Schwartz is a representative of the artistic community, which he is, then he should act with respect towards that community. Stephen Schwartz is a distinguished member of the musical theatre world and as such he has the responsibility towards the performers, composer, crew and staff of Sweeney Todd to grin and bear it. A major part of celebrity and support of the musical theatre community involves responsibility, and respectfulness which walking out on a production does not entail.

This is all the more relevant when you consider the fact that Patti Lupone was a leading player, someone who has worked with Schwartz for years.

[sanda]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:45pm

I am not crazy about this "Sweeney" as well. It looks cheap.

[Princeton78]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:48pm

I happen to respect Schwartz as a composer (especially in his earlier works), but he's gotta stop walking out of shows/events when he's not happy. Didn't the 'Forbidden Broadway' skit send a clear message?

[Calvin]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:48pm

Absolutely, Sum. If I go see something, and somebody I know is performing in it, I stay through the whole thing no matter how awful I might think it is.

eta: Heck. I stayed through something awful not too long ago just because a friend of a friend was a behind-the-scenes person with the show. Updated On: 4/25/06 at 05:48 PM

[best12bars]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:48pm

Wait... I thought he didn't like the show. So what? That would put him in a league with MANY other distinguished members of the theatre community.

However... If there's a rumor circulating that he actually walked out of the performance, that's not even in this article.

Where did it come from? And why do you believe it's true?

[mrkringas]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:49pm

Yeah cause if you dont have a chandeleir or helicopter any musical looks cheap


Seriously guys I think we are missing the point with Sweeney. My friends who despise musicals loved this production. Their comments were along the lines of "brave, bold and wasnt a phoney musical with all the applause nonsense".

I love this production for other reaons of course. My point is that a lot of musical theatre fans will simply not "get" it. Much in the same way actors back in the day were shocked when women were allowed to play female roles on stage.

[tz0o]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:50pm

Heh, just goes to show you that you learn something new about theatre etiquitte every day.

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:50pm

Haha, wait, tell me about this skit.

Um, if you don't like something, you're perfectly free to leave. If that's his personality then people just have to accept it. Maybe you're nicer than some Calvin. I'd stay too (and I thought the new production of Sweeney Todd was enjoyable and would not have walked out of it), but still. People can do what they is want.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:51pm

Okay, despite my username I am no longer a Wicked fanatic.

Does he realize what crap he has on Broadway compared to that AMAZING production.

[wonderwaiter]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:51pm

If he really didn't care for the show, he could have slipped out quietly at intermission. Walking out during a show is not just disruptive to the cast and people around you, it makes a statement. That statement carries additional weight if you happen to be the composer of the highest grossing show currently on Broadway.

Tacky, tacky, tacky.

Updated On: 4/25/06 at 05:51 PM

[sanda]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:52pm

The original "Sweeney" didn't have a chandeleir or helicopter and didn't look cheap at all.

You missed my point.
Updated On: 4/25/06 at 05:52 PM

[mrkringas]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:53pm

And you clearly missed my point

[sanda]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 5:54pm

then we are even.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:04pm

How does it look cheap? its beautifully designed. Its simplistic. Trust me, the small scale of the show is not due to lack of funding. Its called an artistic choice. I liked the idea of the actors playing instruments. It just added another element to the complex story. I agree, the show is hard to follow without a normal setting, but it just begs to audience to pay attention more.

And as for Schwartz. Taht was just plain tacky. I really like Children of Eden and Baker's Wife and Wicked, but c'mon, at least stay until intermission. That is just tacky. I would say that about anyone leaving during a show.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:08pm

*sigh*

I don't get why people walk out of shows. If you've paid 100 bucks (or close to it) why don't you stay and enjoy it. Lots of people can't even afford to go see a broadway show. Enjoy the atmosphere. admire the orchestra. try and pick out sounds. admire the set or the actors and people watch.

i dunno... i'm off the opinion that a trip to the theater is an event. so i lover every moment of a show. even if it's bad (i've sat through Aida and Starlight Express and more).

but if you abso. can't stand it. Than slip out during intermission.

it's much more polite and causing lots less annoyance etc

ok. done

[Isabella2]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:21pm

well if you ask me, shwartz can in no way compare to sondheim so it's really quite ironic how he's speaking against this "Sweeney". In case he didnt notice, the acting in this production is better than any other production of sweeney that i've seen. Updated On: 9/6/06 at 06:21 PM

[buffyactsing]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:24pm

Well that was kind of rude, especially when one of his former castmembers is there and CAN SEE HIM. I mean if you don't like it, that's fine, but to leave like that...not so nice.

Updated On: 4/25/06 at 06:24 PM

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:26pm

wow. what a moron.

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:29pm

My point is that Stephen Schwartz is not an ordinary theatregoer when he enters a theatre, he is a representative of a medium. If he feels the need to walk out he is doing it of his own free will, which is perfectly fine, but it carries consequences and implications regarding his respect towards the medium he represents.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:32pm

I do think Sondheim is way more talented than Shwartz, but I hate when people say stuff like this person can not compare to Sondheim so they don't count or they were scared, or whatnot. Yes, Sondheim is a genius but there are other composers out there than him. I just had to put that out there, since I do it all the time

Now, in regards to this . . . I don't think it's right when anyone just walks out on any show, no matter who they are. At least have some respect for the actors and wait until intermission.

[mrslovett7]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:36pm

Stephen Schwartz is a very sweet man, he came and visited my school and i talked to him for a bit and he is very helpful and polite. I don't think anyone should HAVE to like Sweeney, however if you are going to see it atleast be respectful and sit through it or leave at intermission. ESPECIALLY if you're friends with someone in the show! i mean that's just rude.

If i can sit through Mama Mia without my head blowing up he can definately sit through Sweeney Todd

[CherylA928]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:45pm

You are all so quick to judge.

I was sitting two rows behind Mr. Schwartz that night and yes, he did leave during intermission.

From what I heard, there had been a family emergency.
I understand that he called the company the next morning to apologize and make arrangements to see the show again.

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:46pm

If that's the case then...consider this a preemptive thread for the next time.

[tz0o]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:48pm

Oops. Our bad then. :)

[JudasIscariot]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 6:53pm

Don't you all just feel like asses now?

Honestly, why make a thread to simply bash Schwartz? You know that is all that could come from this thread, right?

Learn the facts before you judge, can we just allow eachother that?